CENTRAL COAST [All Projects & Discussion] [Archive] - Page 7

billiejoe87

February 22nd, 2011, 11:38 AM

Are you smoking crack? West Ryde is one of the roughest and most dysfunctional suburbs in Sydney. It's marred by gang issues and reasonably high crime rates. If West Ryde is a nice area, then I am assuming you think Lumeah is delightful?

Gret news on the new development, it impressive that there is some development happening there, this will have the effect of helping to oust the centrelink culture. The pensinsula while attractive is a massive step down from Picket's Valley, Matcham, Terrigal and Avoca, the people are definitely different. I know you didn't want to hear this but Umina was a houso area and it will take time for dramatic change, I am happy to hear there is some evidence but each time I visit the coast it seems no different. Erina Fair should ban people with no footware.Ahh Avatar, I think we will have to agree to disagree but West Ryde/Meadowbank is very different to what it was years ago. Drive through it and I think you'll be pleasantly suprised.

My parents house (An Old Fibro mind you) was recently valued at $900,000, apartments down the road are selling for over a million with so called "water views" of the Parramatta River industrial site. I'm not saying the area doesn't have it's faults, but they are few and far between these days.

Further to that, going on NSW Police Website and looking at Crime Statistics: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/Hotspots_2009_Ryde.pdf/$file/Hotspots_2009_Ryde.pdf shows that West Ryde and other suburbs in the area are in general not a hotspot for any type of crime, while many other areas (Particularly Western Sydney) are.

Such a shame Avatar, because really I come here on the "first time poster, long time reader" mantra. If you think West Ryde is still gangland then maybe all your thoughts are stuck in the late 80's, early 90's. :ohno:

CULWULLA

February 22nd, 2011, 11:44 AM

^dont worry, avatar is caught in time warp. still thinks umina is mount druitt by the sea lol.

Avatar

February 22nd, 2011, 12:06 PM

billiejoe87

February 22nd, 2011, 12:19 PM

^dont worry, avatar is caught in time warp. still thinks umina is mount druitt by the sea lol.Yeah, I'm so over it Cul, and I've only lived here a few months, I pity you guys that have been hearing it for years. I guess at least at the end of the day, our beaches are less crowded, while all the rich people go to Terrigal? That's got to be worth something.

Seriously though, go on Census or any sites which actually have info to back them up. Umina is almost free of housing commission now, and Ettalong/Booker Bay is completely free of it. Woy Woy still has it's fair share, though most of this is down along the railway line and fairly contained.

I walk around all areas on the Peninsula, and have been when I used to visit my Fiance here for years now. Nowhere here have I been harassed, asked for money or anything of the like. I drive through the town centres of Woy Woy and Umina regularly on Friday nights and outside of the token bogans out the front of the pubs, never see gangs or people starting trouble on the streets, try doing any of this in Blacktown or Mt Druitt town centres at night.

I will agree with Avatar on one thing and that is that you can see a difference on the people on the Peninsula to the people in Terrigal/Avoca. A lot of this has to do with the much larger retirement population on the Peninsula, but it is also true there are still a few undesirables around. If these people weren't here, I do believe we would be living in the premier area on the Central Coast. I don't believe any area up here is as naturally beautiful as the Peninsula, but on this point I do see that others may not agree. The area however is hardly Mount Druitt by the sea. By no means is it Double Bay either, but just saying it's really not that bad. I'd rather live here than 90% of the suburbs in Sydney.

billiejoe87

February 22nd, 2011, 12:27 PM

@ Cul
I never have really thought it Mt Druitt by the sea! The truth is the Central Coast was never that bad, it's certainly not devoid of it's problems but it's never been as bad as outer western sydney. Areas up near Lakehaven are still quite 'relaxed' but overral the demographics aint too bad.

@Billyjoe
Welcome to the forums and posting, I'm not dishing on you oe trying to be antagonistic just stating it as I know it. To my knowledge there are still plenty of guys in West Ryde and Ermington (some of which i know) that are heavily into petty crime. It's certainly still got a few issues, especially with lads. I have driven through it a fair bit on my way to rhodes, my opinion hasn't changed, i'm sure its getting better though and yes it's rather mild compared to some of the outer south western suburbs.Point taken. I cant deny the Petty crime stuff. Especially idiots in the maccas car park etc. However, though very different areas, I guess that's why I find the Peninsula easy to settle into, I don't really worry so much about Punk kids as much as drive by shootings/other gun crimes etc. which don't really seem prevalent in either West Ryde or the Peninsula. (That is until the vandalise my car!) Really and truly I don't think it is as bad in these areas as the South West or Far West, but thats just me.

CULWULLA

February 22nd, 2011, 01:28 PM

michael19701

February 23rd, 2011, 01:43 AM

there is only a small Houso area at the back of woy woy around shoalhaven Drive, Nambucca drive area I have lived up here all my life and I feel perfectly safe walking around the peninsula at night I have never been harrased either

Avatar

February 23rd, 2011, 02:54 AM

av-im joking ;-)
well said billiejoe, yes there are still lowlife around, but much less these days. the peninsula has really picked up its act in past 10 years. the 30 or so cams around the area assist with police servaliance.
i see and read news about stuff that happens out west and thank the dear lord i live here away from all that crap.

LOL that's fine but i didn't want to slag off your area. My family have always had property in and around terrigal/matcham and I am very famliar with all of the Coast I also remember what the peninsula was like a few years ago ... it certainly has changed for the better but I still see remnants from the past too.

I don't know what I'd name as the Coast most beautiful area, but certainly anywhere on Brisbane Water has its beauty, the rugged coastline from Avoca to Forresters Beach and the views from places Crackneck lookout, Presidents Hill, Patonga, Kariong, Kincumber Mountain can be quite special. I also like the views from the Entrance over Tuggerah Lakes.

With the coast I don't think it's ever been about safety, it's just some of the people were a bit daggy in the poorer areas.

Choko

February 23rd, 2011, 03:24 AM

billiejoe87

February 23rd, 2011, 05:07 AM

^^ My favourite part of the Central Coast would have to be the Killcare area east of The Rip Bridge towards the coast.

OT: The majority of West Ryde has improved over the years, although the shopping strip along Victoria Rd looks dated. Ermo on the other hand... where are my adlays at? :lol: Without trying to sound rude, you've pretty much summed it up well about Ermington. Myself and my family go out in West Ryde all the time without any trouble but the few times we have gone to Ermington something has always happened, not least my mother being threatened to be killed by a family of bogans outside the woolworths there.

The victoria rd shops in West Ryde are in major need of TLC. Anyway back to the Central Coast, Killcare is an amazing area with fantastic views, i love living only 10 minutes away from it!

Avatar

February 23rd, 2011, 05:43 AM

Mmmmm adlays! I know some of the ermo crew.

Choko

February 23rd, 2011, 05:56 AM

Used to work at Ermo Woolies - let's just say I was glad to go when I did... Av, you may know my brother, he's mates with some of the Ermo crew too (although he isn't an adlay).

On topic: The Central Coast is nice in places. :banana:

Avatar

February 23rd, 2011, 11:15 AM

^^ Is he hot? LOL

Do I want to know him?

Fabian

February 23rd, 2011, 08:46 PM

billiejoe87

February 23rd, 2011, 10:21 PM

Alot of people don't have a choice when it comes to buying homes on the Central Coast because it is one of the few places where they can afford a home, plus the lifestyle on offer is very good.

Beaches, national parks and more. It's only one hour (or less) to the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

I have never really viewed the Central Coast as a "bogan" area. I am more likely to come across retirees that just want to take it easy.

The downside is the lack of jobs available locally. The fast food outlets are good for the young ones to earn some pocket money but there needs to be a focus on professional jobs too.Employment on the Central Coast is the big problem. With lack of employment comes the very high youth unemployment and high adult unemployment in most areas on the coast, and therefore leads into the drugs and boredom related vandalism etc, that is higher than it should be there.

Overall the Central Coast is however a great place to live for the money you need to spend. The lifestyle is heads and shoulders above similar priced areas in Sydney and overall has a much more community feel. I feel lucky that there are still places like The Central Coast so close in proximity to Sydney but still affordable.

CULWULLA

February 23rd, 2011, 10:46 PM

yes, many residents of CC are exsydneysiders. had too much of busy hectic crowded lifestyle, then the seachange. i did it, best thing ever did.
as for employment, yeah CC needs more, whichi it is. Gosfords masterplan is finally happening with starting of the Landing soon which will boost local business. hopefully some big companies will build some major office towers in the CBD so people from CC wont have to go to sydney for employment. the peninsula chamber of commerce have said things are looking bright for the area and has some suprises in store .

Choko

February 23rd, 2011, 11:22 PM

^^ Let's hope that is the case Cul.

^^ Is he hot? LOL

Do I want to know him?

More bogan-style than chav-style - somehow I don't think he's your type. :lol:

Fabian

February 24th, 2011, 04:22 AM

CULWULLA

February 24th, 2011, 05:15 AM

suppose thers warnervale ect.

Fabian

February 24th, 2011, 08:35 PM

And HMAS Adelaide will be sunk on Wednesday April 13 off Avoca Beach. The OK has been given.

NIMBY protestors were whinging yesterday about the ship falling to it's side citing a similar wreck off Geelong and debris washing on the beach for the next 250 years.

I have to try and see if I can trek up there to see it sunk and give the NIMBY's a dose of their own medicine.

CULWULLA

February 24th, 2011, 09:51 PM

GREAT NEWS FOR GOSFORD! FINALLY SOME COMMON SENSE
It's up and away as Gosford raises CBD building heights

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/02/24/ebf5a19f8798250847f6a4110a4e5077_resized.jpg

WE’RE going up. Gosford Council will relax height restrictions and reduce developer contributions in a major bid to revitalise the city centre. Councillors on Tuesday night voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing a 30 per cent increase in the height of CBD buildings.

Business leaders couldn’t be happier. Gosford Chamber of Commerce president Rod Dever (pictured) applauded the decision, saying it would provide the kick-start so desperately needed to bring life to Gosford CBD.

“This is fantastic - together with the Gosford Challenge and waterfront redevelopment plans this is another step towards bringing Gosford back to what it should be,” he said.

GOSFORD Chamber of Commerce president Rod Dever is elated at the Gosford Council decision to relax height restrictions and reduce developer contributions to attract businesses back to the city centre.

Councillors voted on Tuesday night to prepare a planning proposal which could grant increases of 30 per cent of the maximum height and floor space ratio permitted for city centre buildings.

Developers’ civic improvement plan contributions would also be reduced from 4 per cent to 1 per cent for a limited time in an effort to help new projects get off the ground.

“We think this is fantastic,” Mr Dever said.

“We have been speaking with previous mayor Chris Holstein and council officers for some time on incentives to encourage development in line with the draft LEP.

“We felt the four per cent contribution was high in comparison with other councils and asked the council to consider incentives to attract interest from developers.

“We applaud the council for being proactive enough to take a step like this.

“It will mean a partial reduction of income for the council to the greater benefit of the city.”

Mr Dever said the move, along with the Gosford Challenge and the waterfront redevelopment, would help bring the city “back to what it should be”.

With the Central Coast to be recognised as a region in its own right by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from July 1, Mr Dever said Gosford would finally become the kind of “regional capital” people deserved.

Gosford Business District manager Paul Brasch agreed.

“It is a wonderful idea,” Mr Brasch said. This will give developers confidence in investing in Gosford which we desperately need.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

April date set for scuttling ex-HMAS Adelaide off Avoca Beach

Environment24 Feb 11 @ 03:27pm by TERRY COLLINS
NSW Minister for Lands Tony Kelly and MP for The Entrance Grant McBride make the announcement on ex-HMAS Adelaide
After more than a year of controversy, the ex-HMAS Adelaide is now scheduled to be sunk off Avoca Beach on April 13.

NSW Lands Minister Tony Kelly made the announcement at 2pm today at Glebe Island Wharf, where the ship has been undergoing preparations for the scuttling.

Originally set for sinking in March, 2010, the Adelaide has been the subject of tremendous controversy between pro-reef groups and anti-scuttling activists fearing environmental damage.

An appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal saw the scuttling delayed and the enforcement of extra preparations before the ship takes its final plunge.

The story in pictures.

``We have been working closely with the contractor engaged to prepare the ship, to meet the conditions set by the tribunal,’’ Mr Kelly said today.

``That work is scheduled for completion next month.

``The Tribunal upheld the permit issued by the then Federal Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts, while adding some extra conditions as a precautionary measure.

``In addition to the extensive preparation already undertaken, the extra conditions involved removing canvas and insulation from the ship and then any loose or flaking paint found behind it.

``This required an extensive amount of work on all decks of the ship which is almost finished.’’

Mr Kelly said the scuttling would be highly dependent of favourable weather conditions, but all being well April 13 would be the big day.

The vessel was gifted to NSW by the Australian Government to create an artificial reef and dive site.

The Entrance Labor MP Grant McBride joined the minister in making the announcement.

``The dive site will be the first attraction of its kind in NSW and a world class recreational facility, delivering environmental, economic and educational benefits to the region,’’ Mr McBride said.

Central Coast Artificial Reef Project spokeswoman Sue Dengate said the massive support for the project by residents of the Central Coast would reach fever pitch with the date finally set.

``Students from the marine biology section of Ourimbah University who are doing their masters degrees on the Adelaide project will now be able to finish off papers that have had to be put on hold,’’ Ms Dengate said.

``Lecturers can now plan more projects using this wonderful new resource.’‘

No Ship Action Group spokeswoman Michelle Meares said the group would take legal advice on appealing against the scuttling date.

``A number of us attended the media conference with Mr Kelly and we told him we did not see how they could possible continue with the scuttling given the recent news of the rapid breakup of the Adelaide’s sister ship HMAS Canberra, off the coast of Victoria,’’ Ms Meares said.

``We believe the conditions set by the tribunal have not been fully met and will be seeking legal advice on the correct avenue through which to appeal this decision.’’

lowey

February 25th, 2011, 12:03 AM

michael19701

March 1st, 2011, 01:23 AM

does anyone know what is going to happen to the old petrol station site on Ocean Beach road? i noticed yesterday that fences have gone up so that would mean that the old building are about to be demolished

CULWULLA

March 1st, 2011, 01:31 AM

^yeah wondering what has happened to that. good cheap petrol there.
not sure whats going there. maybe a new station .i reckon good spot for hungry jacks.lol

michael19701

March 1st, 2011, 10:26 AM

it would be a good site for hungry jacks but somehow i get the feeling that it wont be a petrol station

Fabian

March 1st, 2011, 08:28 PM

I've heard that there is going to be some training facilities built for the Central Coast Bears NRL team at Somersby.

CULWULLA

March 1st, 2011, 10:56 PM

sounds promising.i sort of dont like the bears name. i know we need it to happen, but im thinking bluetongue lizards would be cool. there everwhere up here.

Fabian

March 2nd, 2011, 04:13 AM

It will be good to see the Bears back in the NRL. This news was encouraging to hear for the team.

CULWULLA

March 4th, 2011, 12:00 AM

today-

ALDI
Kingston arenit mucking around. furniture store demolished. excavation now happening. big site. 2000sqm i think?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5495641530_a148c562c2_b.jpg

views from new lookout at Ettalong
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5495049679_535cf6c50e_b.jpg

Fabian

March 4th, 2011, 10:37 PM

The NIMBY group opposing the HMAS Adelaide sinking are now concerned that the ship could sink off Sydney's northern beaches as it transported up the coast to Avoca for it's sinking according to The Manly Daily (4/3/2011), and that they would be in the firing line if it happens. Another silly argument. :bash:

michael19701

March 5th, 2011, 02:34 AM

The NIMBY group opposing the HMAS Adelaide sinking are now concerned that the ship could sink off Sydney's northern beaches as it transported up the coast to Avoca for it's sinking according to The Manly Daily

I thought they would be happy if that happened!!!!

Fabian

March 5th, 2011, 04:02 AM

They argue it will be bad news for whoever gets the boat, but they feel no-one will be better off with a sunken boat off their beach.

CULWULLA

March 5th, 2011, 06:16 AM

idiots

CULWULLA

March 5th, 2011, 12:13 PM

well done central coast marniners tonight at Bluetongue!! beat GC 1-0. into GF next week in brisbane!!

Fabian

March 5th, 2011, 10:56 PM

idiots

Wait and see how much money local shops will earn on April 13.

Avatar

March 6th, 2011, 02:32 AM

sounds promising.i sort of dont like the bears name. i know we need it to happen, but im thinking bluetongue lizards would be cool. there everwhere up here.

I agree a blue tongue is obvious but also lizards, snakes or spiders would be a better mascot than a bear and far more relevant. Maybe not relevant but how about a crocodile. That would make an awesome mascot (for a FNQ team). Maybe something abstract, CC surf?

My suggestion is for serpent or hydra, something mythical that's water related.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hT5a9DSXCmU/TSuOSb_TEUI/AAAAAAAAFB4/fO7C21eaKe0/s320/hydra.jpg

CULWULLA

March 6th, 2011, 03:51 AM

sounds perfect

Fabian

March 14th, 2011, 09:47 PM

NBN News Report on HMAS Adelaide (14/3/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/03/13/countdown-to-the-ex-hmas-scuttling/

There is also some coverage of those supporting the sinking.

CULWULLA

March 17th, 2011, 09:14 AM

woywoy carpark is looking a treat. nearly done
this wasnt part of original plan,.
nice glass towers lift and stairs on southern face
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5533678705_d63d1ce894_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5534252380_1b562df55b_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5534266096_326b442b3f_b.jpg

Cell.Phone

March 17th, 2011, 11:36 AM

I saw in the Sunday Telegraph, and article about investors looking at Warnervale to build a Chinese themed amusement park??

Choko

March 18th, 2011, 03:56 AM

^^ Interesting find Cell.Phone. Here's a link (http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/chinese-theme-park-a-step-closer-for-warnervale/) to an article in the Central Coast Express Advocate about the amusement park concept.

CULWULLA

March 19th, 2011, 07:17 AM

ive been on lookout for trees to add to significant tree register
measured this one at 45m and girth 6.5m
havnt found a larger tree yet on central coast. this one is one of a dozen in fagan park.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5538645103_48ec2f8481_b.jpg

Fabian

March 20th, 2011, 06:29 AM

The council should support it. Old Sydney Town was a big drawcard for people to the Central Coast. It is roughly at the halfway point between Sydney and Newcastle on the F3 and those in the Hunter would be able to access it easily.

deanh

March 20th, 2011, 07:48 AM

woywoy carpark is looking a treat. nearly done

It looks horrible... :ohno:

No colours? No fancy exterior?

CULWULLA

March 20th, 2011, 12:53 PM

i think paint job still coming, surely?

Fabian

April 2nd, 2011, 05:39 AM

Up at The Entrance, Wyong Council has begun public workshops to examine ways to revitalise the town.

It's time the town centre got a kick along.

http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/04/01/plans-for-the-entrance-town-centre-to-receive-revamp/

CULWULLA

April 2nd, 2011, 09:06 AM

Great stuff

Fabian

April 10th, 2011, 10:34 PM

The HMAS Adelaide is being towed to Avoca ahead of it's sinking on Wednesday. :)

Fabian

April 11th, 2011, 10:52 PM

NBN News Report relating to the sinking of HMAS Adelaide (11/4/2011)

http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/04/11/ex-hmas-adelaide-embarks-on-final-voyage-2/

The NIMBY's are planning an overnight vigil tonight and have conceded nothing can be done now.

Many are planning to attend the sinking (NBN News, 11/4/2011)

http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/04/11/roads-closed-for-ex-hmas-adelaide-scuttling/

CULWULLA

April 12th, 2011, 01:35 PM

its going to be a great day.

Fabian

April 12th, 2011, 10:47 PM

Seven News will also have underwater cameras to record the sinking which will be in their main bulletin at 6pm. Culwulla, you will be able to see it on Prime Television on the Gold Coast which airs the Sydney/NSW edition of Seven News.

michael19701

April 13th, 2011, 01:21 AM

some pics i took yesterday while i was at avoca

http://i56.tinypic.com/24lr0wk.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/nlzogh.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/mwdu87.jpg

Fabian

April 13th, 2011, 06:14 AM

And down she goes.

NBN Television

FjJ4kn8qdz4

I watched SKY News and they managed to interview the NIMBY's while the sinking was delayed. They pointed out it will not make much money and will only generate five jobs. As for facilities to take people to the dive - non existant.

CULWULLA

April 13th, 2011, 06:49 AM

^it will make millions for the central coast economy. many jobs will be created as it becomes more and more popular as a dive destination.
an annual ocean swim (around the wreck) is already being origanised. which will be 3km . ill def be doing that every year. be aawesome.

Fabian

April 13th, 2011, 11:26 AM

And there are no such dive sites that close to Sydney too. :)

CULWULLA

April 16th, 2011, 06:23 AM

Aldi Umina update
lots of work
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5623114377_733895c058_b.jpg

Fabian

April 19th, 2011, 10:50 PM

And an update from the former HMAS Adelaide.

NBN News (18/4/2011) - http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/04/18/dive-wreck-shows-first-signs-of-life/

CULWULLA

April 19th, 2011, 11:26 PM

its a great thing. my boss dives every week and he cant wait to visit this site

Fabian

April 20th, 2011, 06:23 AM

Were just weeks away from commercial dives beginning. It was great the sinking worked out to plan.

CULWULLA

April 20th, 2011, 10:08 AM

i didnt realise how big the ship was . 138m long,. thats higher then SHB!
the 20m tower above above the deck was chopped in half so it would have the 6m clearance below surface.

Fabian

April 23rd, 2011, 05:23 AM

Not good news for the development of the Warnervale Town Centre. There is some bickering, the former ALP Government refused funding for an important road intersection to link it with Sparks Road and even endangered flower species being discovered.

NBN News (21/4/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/04/21/warnervale-town-centre-in-doubt/

CULWULLA

April 23rd, 2011, 06:07 AM

endangered flower species? i give up

Fabian

April 27th, 2011, 11:09 PM

Dives on the fomer HMAS Adelaide are tipped to begin next week. :)

Fabian

May 6th, 2011, 06:40 AM

Licences have been snapped up for dive operators to do dives at the HMAS Adelaide. :0

NBN News (5/5/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/05/05/permits-snapped-up-by-divers-keen-to-explore-ex-hmas-adelaide-wreck/

Fabian

May 8th, 2011, 12:49 AM

Dvies began yesterday. You can even snorkel if you want. :):):)

CULWULLA

May 8th, 2011, 03:43 AM

yeah i think 78$ for a dive. they had a special last night on tv about it. looks awesome.

CULWULLA

May 10th, 2011, 07:24 AM

17 boat loads went out on the weekend. apparently awesome/perfect weather for dibvivng. on last dive a whale swam over the top and waved. so much for the wreck having a negative effect on marine life.

CULWULLA

May 10th, 2011, 03:19 PM

front page of express advocate
ALL SYSTEMS GO
http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/05/05/c7fbe44bb3715db1d12b5066b5013151_resized.jpg

Central coast tourism have advance bookings to dive the Adelaide until jan2012
these include 213 morrings worth $16000 and $179 day permits worth $3000.

CULWULLA

June 15th, 2011, 01:26 AM

Aldi Umina update
may27
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6798/aldimay.jpg

CULWULLA

June 15th, 2011, 01:30 AM

PENINSULA NEWS JUNE14
Arboretum gets special zoning
Gosford Council has zoned the Crommelin Research Station and the Native Arboretum at Pearl Beach, SP1 Special activities with the adoption of its Draft Local Environment Plan 2009 (DLEP) on Tuesday, May 31.

However, the Council has proposed a new E5 Public Conservation zone for other bushland on the Peninsula and elsewhere throughout the local government area.

It has asked the new zone be included in the "standard instrument" template to apply to all council-owned and managed Coastal Open Space System (COSS) bushland.

Council has requested that the Department of Planning and Infrastructure review and update State Environmental Planning Policy 19 (Bushland in Urban Areas) to reflect the "standard instrument" and its relevant zones, including the requested Zone E5 Public Conservation.

"Council recommends a public conservation E5 zone that would recognise Council's aim to preserve COSS for conservation purposes whilst at the same time recognising their 'public ownership', which the E2 zone does not do (E2 zone permits a dwelling/house)."

The council's zoning of the arboretum and research station as special activities follows submissions objecting to a proposed RE1 recreation zone and requesting the E2 environmental zone.

The submissions objected to the RE1 zone on the basis that uses permissible in the zone would conflict with the sensitive bush land on the site, hence would serve to diminish the site's environmental qualities.

In other submissions from the Peninsula, owners of properties located on the northern side of the Boulevard at Woy Woy claimed that development heights should be increased from 11.5 metres to 19.75 to be consistent with the rest of Woy Woy Town Centre.

The council agreed to a maximum height of 19.75 metres for site areas of 1000 square metres or more and street frontage of 20 metres or more for Woy Woy B2 Local Centres, 14.25 metres for Umina and 17 metres for Ettalong.

A maximum height of 11.5 metres would apply for site areas of less than 1000 square metres or street frontage of less than 20 metres at Woy Woy, Umina and Ettalong B2 Local Centres.
Council's report stated that setting heights at 11.5 metres would discourage redevelopment of the ageing building stock and that there would be adequate separation between buildings to support increased height.

"These separations will ensure that overlooking, overshadowing and apparent building bulk from future development will be acceptable."

Submissions were also lodged in relation to three composite sites at Umina in Oscar, Alfred and West St, claiming that consolidation incentives were insufficient to encourage redevelopment.

The submissions argued that until reasonable incentives were provided for larger developments, the area would remain a patchwork of undersized redevelopment.

The council report rejected the request stating that controls formulated under the Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy were considered satisfactory in terms of desired hierarchy of centres on the Peninsula, encouragement of redevelopment and to achieve urban design objectives.

The Draft Local Environment Plan attracted a high level of interest from all sections of the community over the past three years, receiving more than 1500 submissions during the public exhibition period, the council was told.

The adopted plan will now be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for Ministerial approval.

---------------------------------------
not happy with Uminas height limit being 14.25m or this equates to just under5 storeys?
or woywoys 6storeys.
both should be 8sstorys

lowey

June 15th, 2011, 01:00 PM

thanks for the pic cull

Fabian

June 22nd, 2011, 10:58 PM

Update on HMAS Adelaide

NBN News (21/6/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/06/21/former-hmas-adelaide-dive-site-makes-waves/

CULWULLA

June 28th, 2011, 02:10 AM

UMINA ALDI UPDATE today
aldi crane dominating umina
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5154/5879235256_a5e1a4fefb_o.jpg

3rd floor going up
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5239/5879235254_1839d715c4_z.jpg

michael_1970

June 28th, 2011, 04:13 AM

I was down there today it certainly is going up fast!!!!

billiejoe87

June 28th, 2011, 01:13 PM

UMINA ALDI UPDATE today
aldi crane dominating umina
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5154/5879235256_a5e1a4fefb_o.jpg

3rd floor going up
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5239/5879235254_1839d715c4_z.jpg As usual good pics Cul. I've been checking out the Aldi progress on my weekend Ocean Beach walks, really good progress.

Does anyone know when Umina Mall is going to be renovated or re-developed or what's happening with the McDonalds in Umina? Haven't heard anything in ages.

CULWULLA

June 28th, 2011, 11:55 PM

^ ive heard maccas is happening soon. the 6 house properties had to be rezoned through council. hopefully before xmas.
as for mall, havnet heard, but ive been told the owner (Laundy) has sold 2 liquor licences in umina, so he may be cashed up now to start building the mall complex? also because of that, woolies have bought these licences and are turning old flemings into a dan murphys.

------------------------
AIRPORT PROPOSED FOR SOMERSBY!!
whats everyone think of this? 6000 jobs. will change Cc foreveer!!

http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/central-coast-airport-plan-creates-a-flap/

Central Coast airport plan creates a flap
Council28 Jun 11 @ 02:17pm by ERROL SMITH

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/06/28/7feaca5c056e7974b8851a62ac979146_resized.jpg
Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton and Gosford Mayor Laurie Maher discussing new airport proposal
THE mayors of Gosford and Wyong councils have sparked heated debate by backing the Central Coast as home to a second Sydney airport.

The news has rocked many people living in the Somersby plateau area who did not know such a massive development was being considered.

Others have hailed it as providing a huge boost to development, infrastructure and employment.

The second airport option is listed on the agenda at tomorrow night’s meeting of the Central Coast Regional Organisation of Councils (CCROC).

It will also discuss the possibility of an amalgamation between the councils.

The Central Coast has been discussed as an option to house the second Sydney airport for more than a decade, along with several other locations including Wilton in the southern highlands, Richmond, in the west, Goulburn, in the south and Newcastle.

Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton said the possible Central Coast locations discussed are west of the F3 in the plateau area of Kulnura, Peats Ridge and Somersby. Warnervale is not an option.

He said CCROC would be seeking direction from councillors to see if there was any interest in pursuing the matter.

“I’m happy to say that we should be pursuing this to provide the Central Coast with a significant economic boost,” Cr Eaton said.

“There would be a heap of infrastructure involved including upgrading roads and rail links and hopefully a long awaited upgrade of the F3 Link as well as around 6000 jobs created.

“Given the existing airport is on the southern side of Sydney, it also makes sense to have an airport in the north.”

especially given our proximity to Newcastle.”

CULWULLA

June 29th, 2011, 03:20 AM

big news up our yesterday was that Gosford public is now definatey moving to henry kendal high ,so that new arts and cultural centre can be created on the waterfront.
Alot of locals didnt like the idea but i think its time to look foward and progress.
its an amazing site (including footy fields)

new aerial of Gosford (June8) NEARMAP. i also think iguana joes is going too. thanks god

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/644/gosford.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3669/gosford2.jpg

michael_1970

June 29th, 2011, 04:32 AM

sorry but i dont want an airport up here and i dont think its right the gosford primary school has to move either its in a perfect spot, the only reason its being given the arse is because the land is worth more to developers who will no doubt shove a couple of high rise buildings on the site blocking everyones water views

Mornnb

June 29th, 2011, 05:00 AM

I think it would do a lot to make Gosford a larger more prosperous town, I don't understand why anyone in Gosford wouldn't want that.

Brizer

June 29th, 2011, 05:58 AM

Michael 1970 "developers who will no doubt shove a couple of high rise buildings on the site blocking everyones (sic) water views"

You didn't read the info, did you? Check Cul's post just before yours. Kneejerking is best left to politicians and nimbies.

mafa

June 29th, 2011, 07:56 AM

............ developers who will no doubt shove a couple of high rise buildings on the site blocking everyones water views

why shouldn't they block the views..?

No one on this forum generally minds when it's to do with Barangaroo or towers in North Sydney or elsewhere in the various CBD's around australia

tis a pity a school has to move though

Brizer

June 29th, 2011, 08:17 AM

What it will get instead is something more for a lot more people, and Gosford certainly needs a decent boot up the civic fundament.

CULWULLA

June 29th, 2011, 10:24 AM

michael_1970

June 29th, 2011, 11:26 AM

the site of the primary school and associated fields are not zoned highrise, but cultural and civic bldgs maybe even galleries. Its the main frontage to the future new waterfront.
sorry but its has its used by date. its time to move it if gosford is going to do this new waterfront plan properly.
im all for the airport if the noise is kept to minimum and the F3 gets an overhaul. It would do wonders to tourism on the coast.

theres plenty of other places for cultural and civic buildings theres a nice big site a couple of doors down (the old county council/waltons/froggys building) that would be ideal for that sort of thing - leave the school where it is theres not enough room at henry kendall for both schools

i'm sure you wouldnt want to have noisy jumbo jets flying low over your house Cul I dont particuluarly want that either and not to mention the pollution that will come with it and i am pretty sure the freeway wont be upgraded and what about transport links? are they going to build a second rail line? I doubt it, I think you will find a lot of coast residents are against this idea if you people want to live near an airport go back to sydney simple as that

billiejoe87

June 29th, 2011, 12:15 PM

theres plenty of other places for cultural and civic buildings theres a nice big site a couple of doors down (the old county council/waltons/froggys building) that would be ideal for that sort of thing - leave the school where it is theres not enough room at henry kendall for both schools

i'm sure you wouldnt want to have noisy jumbo jets flying low over your house Cul I dont particuluarly want that either and not to mention the pollution that will come with it and i am pretty sure the freeway wont be upgraded and what about transport links? are they going to build a second rail line? I doubt it, I think you will find a lot of coast residents are against this idea if you people want to live near an airport go back to sydney simple as thatI don't know how I feel about this. On one hand would aeroplanes at Somersby go over the Peninsula? Or most of Gosford? I doubt it, theres 20Km between them, and I certainly don't hear planes at my parents place which is the same distance from Sydney Airport. Remember even though it's quick to drive most of the coast is spread out.

On the other hand though, although the area needs to get over it's blatant nimbyism and evolve, Michael is right that if the F3 and rail line aren't upgraded, then this will just cause a whole lot of mess.

CULWULLA

June 29th, 2011, 12:38 PM

Ipggi

June 29th, 2011, 03:35 PM

Somersby Airport? I don't know why people think building airports massive distances (ie 80kms) way the destination CBD is viable .. those distances don't happen anywhere else in the world even where they have high speed rail.

Given the choice of catching a flight at an airport that is less than 10km from the CBD or one that is 80km in the semi-rural farmland .. majority of ppl would take the one at 10km even if the flight cost more. I mean the majority of people don't fly to the Gold Coast specifically to get the Brisbane? And you don't call Gold Coast Airport, Brisbane Bilinga Airport?

CULWULLA

June 30th, 2011, 01:01 AM

where would you put 2nd airport?
somersby is only 1hr drive.and if there fairdinkum they will provide a highspeed rail which will be only 20mins.

BearCave

June 30th, 2011, 01:51 AM

if there fairdinkum they will provide a highspeed rail which will be only 20mins.

:lol:

You are funny!

michael_1970

June 30th, 2011, 07:45 AM

but sydney needs another airport. The current one is nearing full capacity. fact.
so the gov quickly need another site. somersby is actually perfect. halfway between sydney and newcastle.away from the traffic filled western burbs.If the planes approach from the west, this will minimise noise for coast residents.
and IF the airport is built, the F3 and trainlines HAVE to be upgraded. its a win win situation.

even if they approach from the west they will have to take off to the east which would probably mean over Gosford/Peninsula area maybe if it was north/south it may be a bit better i dont know, I was going to suggest what about upgrading newcastle or will be that too far away for everyone

billiejoe87

June 30th, 2011, 11:17 AM

even if they approach from the west they will have to take off to the east which would probably mean over Gosford/Peninsula area maybe if it was north/south it may be a bit better i dont know, I was going to suggest what about upgrading newcastle or will be that too far away for everyoneUpgrading Newcastle Airport would have to benefit the Central Coast. With that sort of distance, high speed rail through the Central Coast would be required along with upgrading the Sydney to Newcastle Freeway.

I really think they need to release more information about the proposed airport at Somersby before we can discuss the pro's and cons. Right now we have no idea about flight paths etc. Although I want development on the Coast the last thing I think anyone would want is to ruin the biggest asset in the area which is the beauty and quietness of the place.

CULWULLA

June 30th, 2011, 01:36 PM

tommorrows express advocate
CC is now a recognized region!!
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/5704/26742410150237840921686.jpg

OZ Rails

June 30th, 2011, 03:53 PM

I would probably go as far as to say that the only way the Central Coast will ever get a rail or major road upgrade is if they do get an Airport.

CULWULLA

June 30th, 2011, 11:49 PM

actually they already have many small airports in Somersby vicinity
Gosford airport near peats ridge. (700m runway)
one at calga near peats ridge road.
mangrove mountain airport near Wisemans ferry road.
also a more major airport at Warnervale.(1.2km runway)

Gorokano

July 1st, 2011, 03:11 AM

Interesting article in the Advocate today regarding the Warnervale Town Centre. Hopefully they can pull through this time...

CULWULLA

July 1st, 2011, 05:43 AM

yes, welcome to forums. looks like jugonaut Woolworths will kick things along first!

Gorokano

July 1st, 2011, 05:57 AM

Yeah, it's good to see things finally happen in and around my hometown. I've been looking forward to more news such as this for sometime. Hopefully the State government approve so construction can start in the first quarter of next year.

billiejoe87

July 3rd, 2011, 01:01 PM

Can I just say guys, this is off topic but I need to vent.

Umina (And I'm sure many other areas on the Coast) are in need of more local police stations. Today while enjoying lunch on the esplanade in between Umina and Ettalong which me and my partner do almost weekly and is truly beautiful we were interrupted half way through by 4 youths all who looked no older than 15 and wanted to start destroying a bike they had probably just stolen and swear at and intimidate the locals walking past. They then proceeded to meet up with more of their feral mates 100 metres up the road towards Umina all again who would be no older than 15 and started throwing parts of the bike they had destroyed along with the wheels at cars which had to swerve past.

I called the police and followed the youths to keep an eye on them, I followed up with Woy Woy police station half an hour later when no police had still arrived and advised them of the cars swerving past as these feral kids kept throwing things at the cars. The constable at the station proceeded to say there were no police cars on the Peninsula and they were waiting for someone to respond. Another half an hour later, and after no police showing up I drove off. God knows whether the police ever came and what the ferals ended up getting away with.

There have been so many calls lately unanswered about Woy Woy becoming a 24 hour manned police station after some recent issues in the area, which would be able to respond to callouts in the area and also Umina getting a police station and we really need it. Checking crime stats websites it is amazing the crime here isn't worse considering there is no police presence in such a densely populated area. I now work out West in Sydney and there are always problems there, but always police around to tackle the idiots. On last look, Umina is apparently the most populated suburb on the Central Coast and doesn't have a police station which can respond to incidents within 20 minutes drive.

CULWULLA

July 3rd, 2011, 01:24 PM

billiejoe87

July 3rd, 2011, 01:36 PM

that really sucks,were they islanders? some are casuing alot of trouble lately.
i would have thrown the bike parts back at there stupid heads.I live here at Umina and love the place dearly but yes there are some minority who stuff it up for everyone,. real losers.We have asked chirs holstein about umina urgently needing a police station. it had one years ago.young idiots know it takes 20mins to respond in the peninsula so they rampage.easily locate a station in west st.Nah, these were all caucasian kids, most of them had bikes though, so chances are they were heading to the skate park at Umina. It's a real shame as it really is a minority of feral kids and bogan parents who ruin it for the rest of us. The Peninsula has so many retirees and great down to Earth people who just want to enjoy the lifestyle and they have to put up with rubbish like we did today.

I walk every weekend along Umina to Ettalong with my fiancee and we've never had a problem in the 3.5 years I've been visiting here, and living here for 8 months, so I know it doesn't happen all the time, but it still seems to happen often enough from the stories you hear that we deserve a police presence. As I said before, working in Parramatta it's almost daily you see some junkie being arrested or someone fighting etc. but there is always police around, even when I've driven through Mt Druitt, I see cop cars drive past. I never see police patrolling here.

Funny thing is a few weeks ago we saw "2148 owns this town" graffitied near Ocean Beach Surfclub, out of curiosity I entered this in google and it came up Blacktown. In seeing this, I don't doubt for a second areas like the Central Coast have to put up with wankers coming from other areas and treating the area like rubbish as well, considering the beautiful beaches and waterways it offers.

DustyLegend1

July 3rd, 2011, 11:36 PM

that really sucks,were they islanders? some are casuing alot of trouble lately.
i would have thrown the bike parts back at there stupid heads.I live here at Umina and love the place dearly but yes there are some minority who stuff it up for everyone,. real losers.We have asked chirs holstein about umina urgently needing a police station. it had one years ago.young idiots know it takes 20mins to respond in the peninsula so they rampage.easily locate a station in west st.Sorry, I must join here to ask how can you love the Peninsula. I live in Campbelltown and I've heard Peninsula is worse than airds, claymore, mount druitt, blacktown combined.

Apparantly you guys cant walk to station or pub at night without being glassed stabbed or shooting at. I was thinking the beach looked nice years ago but decided eagle vale where i live is much nicer as it is great area without all the bronx crime.

From what they tell me Woy Woy/Umina is most violent area in New South Wales and really is the same as the bronx at night even during the day. How can you live each day in this violent place?

There are 2 other forums on the net where they say people who live in your area cant even walk in front yard at night without attacks. I sorry you have to live like this. I would take airds or mount druitt everyday over having kids throwing things at cars and people being killed everyday like you have.

How can you love that horrid place?

CULWULLA

July 4th, 2011, 12:19 AM

DustyLegend1

July 4th, 2011, 12:56 AM

^wow, thats a terrible first post.! you sound really young or very nieve?
i actually grew up in campbelltown.minto,lumeah,i lived in my teens. so i know first hand what that area is like. and i couldnt wait to move away.
and sorry to say but that area is much worse then woy woy or umina ect.
i cant belive you "heard" the Peninsula is worse then suburbs like Airds, claymore mt druitt? you fucking serious? ive been to these suburbs. its housing commission and no one works., gangs ect. nothing like this in the peninsula???
there is a lot of wives tales about "mt druitt by the sea". attacked at night? wftf
i think that was its tag 20-30 years ago?
times have changed slightly. the peninsula have million dollar houses now and very much sought after area to live.
We have a "violent" incident maybe once a month if that.?
the incident billiejoe posted is a rare occurence indeed.
Umina beach ,woy woy and ettalong is a lovely place. and yes we can walk down the street at night without being attacked? wtf/ i run every night at 10pm to and from umina. done this for years. never had a hassle.
i dont think i would do that in mt druitt or campbeltown.
once you have lived on the coast, you would never move back to the west.
i think you better get your facts straight before you post garbage about a place yourve never been to or lived in?

BTW, CHECKOUT AUSTRALIAS BEST SUBURBS RATINGS
factors include,
crime, community, realestate,schooling, affordablity ect

Umina gets an 8.2

penrith=7.9
campbelltown=7.5
liverpool=6.9
mt druitt= 4.3
Airds=4.1
claymore=1.1

http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/suburb.aspx?suburbID=44582Maybe because you live there you dont want to admit truths Mr. Culwulla. Please see these things I have read:
1. http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69633
2. http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279216
3.http://localvoices.realestate.com.au/new_south_wales/umina_beach/review/54051

Read the threads all these say where you live is crime area in huge ways. I went looking at houses in Mayfield and Windale/Gateshead in Newcastle and even though they had bad names they looked much nicer and less crime than Woy Woy/Umina.

It is up to you. I don't want you to ever get hurt. you be better saving a bit more and coming back to campbelltownor even windale/gateshead etc than settle for crime place like Peninsula. Plus anyway beach is dirty there people say they pump sewage into water at Umina. I'm not sure but umina must smell from the sewage and you cant put your head in water?

also you work in sydney i see earlier. has your car been stolen yet from woy woy car park? this doesn't happen to me where i live.

billiejoe87

July 4th, 2011, 01:11 AM

Hey Cul,
For future reference you ever want to finish these guys off when they start (I'm always joining forums to correct the idiots as it makes my blood boil when they post rubbish like that) just put a link to crime maps on the NSW police website.

Blacktown: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/Rates_2010_Blacktown.pdf/$file/Rates_2010_Blacktown.pdf

Gosford/Peninsula: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/Rates_2010_Gosford.pdf/$file/Rates_2010_Gosford.pdf

Campbelltown: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/Rates_2010_Campbelltown.pdf/$file/Rates_2010_Campbelltown.pdf

This shows straight from the horses mouth that crime is on the NSW average for everything on the Peninsula and actually below average with Robbery. (Not so with Wyong area unfortunately). It also shows some areas of Blacktown and Campbelltown generally have above average crime rates on at least half the statistics, which Gosford doesn't really have any.

So much for the Central Coast's massive crime rate and Woy Woy being the bronx. It's funny because I myself have posted on Somersoft trying to slam these rumours, but get a load of the Pomzinoz link Dusty gave, one of the posters convinced everyone that the Peninsula really was the Bronx and that Point Clare waterfront is unsafe with muggings. WTF?

CULWULLA

July 4th, 2011, 01:22 AM

thanks billiejoe, yeah im not commenting anymore. you cant argue on public forums. get no where.
point clare? lol

anyway dustylegend. if you want to vent your anger or stats, please post in cambelltown thread>
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=260335&page=13

TimeVulture

July 4th, 2011, 02:06 AM

For most places how dangerous they are is exaggerated and anyway this forum is to argue against Nimby's not other forumers.

Choko

July 4th, 2011, 02:58 AM

BTW, CHECKOUT AUSTRALIAS BEST SUBURBS RATINGS
factors include,
crime, community, realestate,schooling, affordablity ect

Umina gets an 8.2

penrith=7.9
campbelltown=7.5
liverpool=6.9
mt druitt= 4.3
Airds=4.1
claymore=1.1

http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/suburb.aspx?suburbID=44582

Never seen that link before, interesting read. Especially when Blairmount = 10.0, Woodbine = 8.7 and North Turramurra = 4.6...

BearCave

July 4th, 2011, 03:33 AM

DustyLegend1 is obviously a troll. I'm sure he is a regular SSC member and just created another account for trolling...

billiejoe87

July 4th, 2011, 04:06 AM

Never seen that link before, interesting read. Especially when Blairmount = 10.0, Woodbine = 8.7 and North Turramurra = 4.6...That site is open to user ratings so whatever the public votes is the score and comments the suburbs get.

In fact when that poll started and the initial results tallied it was notorious for Airds being listed in the top 10 suburbs in Australia until a few more, probably more accurate comments were added.

How do I know? At the time I worked for Aussie Home Loans who started the poll with Ninemsn for marketing. When the results were released Mount Colah came in as the best suburb in Australia.

By the way if you want to see something funny type in Mosman into the site and read the comments. If you live in Sydney you will know why this is funny. Also look out in particular at the post times and dates of the comments. In particular with North Turramurra all the bad ones are within 10 minutes of eachother while the rest of the comments are spaced apart. Quite obviously a troll leaving the negative comments.

michael_1970

July 4th, 2011, 04:25 AM

i walk around the peninsula at night on a regular basis and i havent been assulted, robbed, shot at or stabbed

billiejoe87

July 4th, 2011, 04:34 AM

i walk around the peninsula at night on a regular basis and i havent been assulted, robbed, shot at or stabbedMate, outside of my experience yesterday with some dickhead youths, who didn't aim anything at me, but were intimidating, I've never experienced anything here either, and I live on McMasters Road which is nothing special and actually quite busy for a road on the Peninsula. Touch wood it continues but I feel perfectly safe here.

Do you guys agree that the positives outweigh any negatives in this area? As I think they really do from my experience.

CULWULLA

July 4th, 2011, 06:43 AM

billiejoe87

July 4th, 2011, 07:09 AM

ive lived here 7 years. moved from Miranda in sutho shire. hated the place. i was on busy Boulevarde.that was more upper class then peninsula, but there were just as many dickheads there. my letter box went missing 3 times.rock through my window. crap like that.
ive seen the change in Umina and woywoy in just 7 years years.locals in west st have had enough and formed an action group last year. now regular late night patrols keep and eye on things
there were trouble few years ago with youth activity at the beach near our surf club.
many weekends and aus day ect, you would have atleast 100 drunken youths. a big fight broke out once not caused by locals but 3 guys from out west.
lots of vandilism ect, but that has all but gone now due to over 30 cameras in peninsula and roving patrols. in summer umina beach have swat type police that patrol the area. vandalism and young drunks are rare. the new peninsula park /skatepark/bmx track etc is a roaring success and very family orientated and any trouble by teens is quickly stamped out by the many adults now hanging out in the area with there young familiesYeah, you only have to check google maps which was done about 7-8 years ago and look at the area today, the streets look cleaner and lots of new buildings replacing old derelict houses.

There was a huge thing a few years ago I heard where on Australia Day drunk kids were fighting back against the police. Many people believe these weren't even all locals though, and idiots catch the train and come there for the beach.

There was also the incident a few years ago where a samoan bloke from out west got hit in the eye with a shovel. I was always interested to know how that started.

Also read above with what I saw near Ocean Beach Surfclub a few weeks ago with "2148 owns this town" graffitied on a fence. This is Blacktown's postcode and just shows some of the out of town rubbish we have to cop for living near a beautiful beach on top of our own rubbish.

michael_1970

July 12th, 2011, 05:38 AM

this is not the first time somersby has been suggested as site for a second airport i found this article from the sydney morning herald today from way back on December 6th 1971!!!!!

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=73lWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XOUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7322,2355722&dq=gosford&hl=en

Avatar

July 14th, 2011, 05:01 PM

Sorry, I must join here to ask how can you love the Peninsula. I live in Campbelltown and I've heard Peninsula is worse than airds, claymore, mount druitt, blacktown combined.

LOL you make me laugh .... not even close. Umina might have a reputation but its seriously pales into nothing compared to some of the shite suburbs in South Western Sydney and out near Mt Druitt. Don't believe everything you hear.

Windale and Mt Hutton in Newcastle are also far worse and look like shit. I think you need your eyes checked. I know there are alot of original houses in Umina but slowly much of that is getting replaced.

CULWULLA

July 15th, 2011, 12:27 AM

michael_1970

July 15th, 2011, 07:48 AM

for peninsula locals-
looks like old flemmings building on west st will be BUNNINGS not dan murphys as most expected.
DA is in with council.
hopefully they will pruce up the old bldg with a paint and new fittings ect.

I thought it was going to be a dan murphys I heard woolworths had bought 2 liquor licences for umina if it is going to be a bunnings its going to be a bloody small one but I hope it wont put the poor bloke who has the hardware store a couple of doors up out of business

CULWULLA

July 15th, 2011, 12:21 PM

^dan murphys is going in new umina mall.the timber section is being added to back of flemmings as is the new fernery area.yeah wont be the biggest bunnings but should be good for the area.the small hardware just down from flemmings, the owners used toi work in mitre 10 in umina.so i guuess he may close and work at bunnings

billiejoe87

July 16th, 2011, 04:33 AM

What awesome news for Umina. Bunnings, McDonalds, Dan Murphy's. These will all help the employment in the area and are really making Umina into the hub of the Peninsula.

All of this helps us be able to shop and support our local area instead of driving to Erina/West Gosford etc.

I really will be so happy when Umina Mall is changed. It is an eyesore at the moment. Do you know Cul whether it is just being renovated or whether it's being torn down and re-built?

CULWULLA

July 16th, 2011, 01:27 PM

the mall will be built in 5 stages.
1st stage- demolish four houses along Pozieres to accomodate new temporary carpark, this stage includes closing down current carpark on lone pine ave so the workmans sheds,equip can be housed.
2nd stage- build new mall building on cnr OB rd and Pozieres, (currently a park). This way the existing mall can operate while new mall is being erected.
3rd stage-relocate existing mall owners into new mall. demolish old mall and replace with new carpark.
4th stage-build Dan murphys on temp carpark on pozieres ave.
5th stage-build new medical centre on lone pine ave, which will consist of 5 doctors rooms and a chemist.

Fabian

July 16th, 2011, 11:34 PM

There was a summit to discuss the lack of development at Warnervale.

NBN News (15/7/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/07/15/warnervale-summit-a-success/

michael_1970

July 17th, 2011, 04:43 AM

billiejoe87

July 17th, 2011, 11:27 AM

I hope the new doctors surgery accepts new patients not already on the books. It's impossible to see a doctor on the Peninsula within a day or so of needing one, unless you've been here a long time and got your name on a whole lot of surgeries books.

CULWULLA

July 17th, 2011, 12:20 PM

micheal. the planned IGA on pozieres looks like now being dan murphys.
billijoe-not sure, hopefully take on new patients. i know what you mean. its ridiculou situation here on the peninsula

lowey

July 20th, 2011, 02:47 AM

Gum stops Warnervale
BY PAUL CALLAGHAN
07 Jul, 2011 12:00 AM
A POTENTIALLY threatened species of spotted gum tree is the latest hurdle preventing the development of Warnervale as a bold new city centre.

But new member for Wyong Darren Webber has high hopes that a summit meeting on July 14 will nonetheless reboot stalled plans to rebuild Warnervale as a Canberra-style mini city with a population of 40,000.

Mr Webber said he was determined to sort out the maze of complexities which have stunted the scheme since it was announced with fanfare by Wyong Shire Council in 2003.

Announced was a $20 million North Warnervale railway station, commuter car park and bus interchange.

Also planned was a 20,000 square metre shopping precinct complete with a community arts and cultural centre, medical centre, schools, child care centre, library, tavern and an aquatic-leisure centre to service a CBD population of 4000 people living in unit buildings of up to four-storeys on a 115 ha site.

The town centre was planned to have al fresco dining, wide footpaths and numerous pedestrian crossings to create a people-friendly shopping scenario.

Surrounding the CBD, bounded by Hiawatha, Sparks and Hakone Roads, would be pedestrian and cycleways, parklands and lakes.

That was eight years ago but the rail station appears to have been derailed and there has been general inertia involving the town centre's development.

A major setback to Warnervale city's progress appears to be a dispute between the Roads and Traffic Authority and Wyong Council and other stakeholders on the cost of the Sparks Road interchange and who should pay for it.

Also, the presence of the vulnerable species Heath Wrinklewort (Wyong Daisy) near the planned railway station site (originally set for 2007 completion) has apparently bogged down progress on the station's construction.

And now, with some light at the end of the tunnel, it appears the discovery of a potentially threatened species of spotted gum tree on the Warnervale city site could again delay proceedings.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) currently has officers in the field trying to classify whether the spotted gums are a threatened species or part of the more common Hunter gums.

A spokesperson for OEH said it was assisting council consultants investigating the possible presence of the endangered ecological community, the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Iron Bar Forest in Warnervale's proposed urban development areas.

The endangered species has not yet been definitely identified on the site, it said.

OEH will try to complete these investigations as quickly as possible.

The Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Iron bark Forest was listed as an endangered ecological community in February 2005 by the NSW Scientific Committee - an independent body of scientists responsible for listings under the Threatened species conservation Act 1995.

Woolworths and Yeramba Estates have lodged major development applications with the council with Woolworths planning to build a supermarket, Big W and specialty retail outlets.

Wyong Council Mayor Doug Eaton is hopeful the July 14 meeting will progress the CBD's development.

"Let's hope the meeting will cut some of the red tape surrounding this issue so that we can get some real action," the Mayor said.

http://www.lakesmail.com.au/news/local/news/general/gum-stops-warnervale/2219131.aspx?storypage=2

CULWULLA

July 20th, 2011, 04:14 AM

rare spotted gums? ffs

Fabian

July 20th, 2011, 07:20 AM

That article posted by Lowey is linked to the NBN News report of July 15. There will be more concrete plans. Also Warnervale Station is likely to be upgraded to address the concerns over the gum trees.

Fabian

July 24th, 2011, 04:50 AM

There is a talk of a merger between Wyong & Gosford Councils. I think it would work for the entire Central Coast.

NBN News (22/7/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/07/22/community-anger-grows-towards-possible-council-merger/

CULWULLA

July 24th, 2011, 10:28 AM

i dont think it will happen.

Fabian

July 24th, 2011, 10:13 PM

I can see it happening.

CULWULLA

July 24th, 2011, 11:25 PM

not what ive heard.

lowey

July 30th, 2011, 06:57 AM

Wyong-Gosford merger motion challenged
BY TIM CONNELL
30 Jul, 2011 04:00 AM
THE Wyong and Gosford councils merger that could let Lake Macquarie extend its southern borders has been thrown into doubt by four councillors' legal action.

The action builds on attempts by Wyong councillors Bill Symington, Lisa Matthews, Doug Vincent and Emma McBride to rescind their mayor Doug Eaton's merger motion.

The four councillors took independent legal advice after the council voted earlier this month to amalgamate with Gosford City Council.

Some councillors said the merger motion took them by surprise.

The council had moved into a confidential session to discuss a sponsorship arrangement with the Central Coast Mariners A-League team.

Minutes show Cr Eaton added his motion to amalgamate, which the complaining councillors said came without notice and meant some councillors were absent for the crucial vote.

"Amalgamation is the most significant decision for our community since Wyong Shire Council was formed in 1947," Cr Symington said.

"The community should have been consulted, and the matter should have been discussed in open session."

He said his legal advice suggested that part of the meeting was conducted irregularly and contrary to the provisions of the Local Government Act, and was unlawful.

Cr Eaton supports a merger of the councils, and moved to advise Local Government Minister Don Page that Wyong proposed amalgamating with Gosford City.

The anti-merger rescission motion precludes further action from Wyong Council on amalgamation until it is resolved.

The Newcastle Herald reported last month on a push by some Lake Macquarie City councillors to extend their council's boundaries to cover the lake's south end.

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/wyonggosford-merger-motion-challenged/2242568.aspx

CULWULLA

August 17th, 2011, 06:34 AM

wow, interesting

http://www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/about-council/media-releases-2011/themepark/

Chinese Theme Park moves one step closer to reality 17 Aug 2011

Mayor Doug Eaton travelled to Sydney on Monday to sign an agreement between the Australia China Cultural Foundation (ACCFI) and Wyong Shire Council to investigate a site at Warnervale as the potential home of a Chinese Theme Park.

Council is allowing the proponents to investigate a potential 15 hectare site, on Council land, for the purpose of constructing the $500 million Cultural Theme Park.

“To fully develop a proposal that would have a detailed business plan, financial strategy, benefits and costs, the ACCFI requires access to our land,” Mayor Eaton said.

“Access will be required for up to 12 months to enable them to conduct environmental and planning studies.

“This information will enable the ACCFI to go back to China and source additional funding to raise the necessary capital for the project.

“The whole project is still in the early stages, but we have certainly made significant progress.

“We have reached an agreement regarding the use of the land for the proponents to develop their plans and put to us a formal proposal.

“The project already has the support of sectors of the Chinese Government which is critical for getting corporate support in China.

“Clearly, this is a very exciting concept and the biggest tourism development in New South Wales in a number of years.“

This has the potential to create more than 1000 jobs in the local area alone.”
Mayor Eaton said the Consulate-General from the Chinese Embassy will come and inspect the site within a month and meet with Council. A delegation from Shanghai is also expected to visit and inspect the site early next year.

Chairman of ACCFI Bruce Zhong said there were three critical elements to the proposal.

“First is the business partner and we are confident in Wyong Shire Council,” Mr Zhong said.

“Second is the location and we believe this is the best location. Third is the finance and that will be provided from China.

“This is a very auspicious day for the signing of this initial agreement as August 15 was the first day of the moon festival … which is a very important day in the Chinese calendar."

The signing was attended by major Chinese news agency Xinhua, ABC and SBS as well as Chinese newspapers.

The $500 million concept will include elements such as a museum, entry gate, pagoda, retail, accommodation and restaurants themed by different provinces.

There are also plans to build a giant Buddhist temple on site, with the whole development surrounded by walls seven metres high.

“Besides the employment opportunities during and after construction, locals will benefit from different restaurants, and shops available to buy merchandise,” Mayor Eaton said.

“The park will draw on tourists from Sydney and Newcastle and international tourists which will benefit the local economy.”

Mayor Eaton said the proponents are Australian based Chinese, but they will raise the money through government support in China.

“The proposal isn’t costing Council any money … but I am anticipating we will get a handsome return given the development is on our land,” the Mayor said.

“Also, the proposal isn’t a residential proposal, but a tourist proposal.”

China has been the world’s second largest economy, after the United States, since 2010 and remains one of the fastest growing major economies with consistent growth rates of between five and 15 per cent.

Unlike the United States’ well documented financial problems and downgrading of its AAA Credit Rating, the Chinese economy continues to boom and is more than capable of allowing its Government to help finance the Theme Park.

Joining the Mayor in Sydney for the signing agreement was Deputy Mayor Bob Graham, Cr John McNamara and Council’s Business Development Manager Garry McLachlan.

Cariad

August 17th, 2011, 07:55 AM

I saw this yesterday and didn't give it a thought on posting:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/chinese-theme-park-planned-for-council-owned-site-in-warnervale/story-e6freuy9-1226114762602

Sounds fantastic!

Fabian

August 18th, 2011, 09:35 AM

It's been a bit sketchy the media coverage. It looks very promising and for NSW a huge tourism opportunity.

lowey

August 20th, 2011, 02:37 AM

In plan view
BY DAVID QUICK
18 Aug, 2011 12:00 AM
A MASTERPLAN which aims to revitalise Wyong town centre and turn it into a regional administrative and cultural hub is now on public exhibition in Wyong Shire Council's civic centre and libraries.

Mayor Doug Eaton said the masterplan's intent was to reinforce the role of Wyong as a major centre with the Frank Ballance Park becoming a civic garden, a civic plaza to be built and streetscape improvements made.

He said Wyong's town centre's progress would be aided by the opening of a new police station next month which would employ hundreds of police-related personnel and the start of construction on a new Aldi store at the corner of North Road and the Pacific Highway.

A $24 million Wyong Arts Centre which will be built on the existing Wyong Memorial Hall site at Anzac Road will include a 500-seat theatre will provide a cultural focus in the town centre, Mayor Eaton said.

A key point of the plan was the retention of Anzac Road as a main road to fit with council's ambition to have a F3 freeway connection with it.

The masterplan can be seen online at www.wyong.nsw.gov.au

http://www.lakesmail.com.au/news/local/news/general/in-plan-view/2262911.aspx

Fabian

August 20th, 2011, 05:16 AM

Wyong needs more than an Aldi to thrive.

JohnnyM

September 22nd, 2011, 12:12 PM

Mornnb

September 22nd, 2011, 12:57 PM

Well, my grandma lives near Woy Woy in Tascott, so I am familiar with the area. I've never noticed Woy Woy being at all a rough place, I've never hang around Woy Woy at night. But it's actually a decent place, with mangroves and wild pelicans waiting eagerly near the seafood stores, small shopping centres with woolies, coles and a kmart.
I would suggest you take a close look at any of the areas on the train line, these are quite and safe suburban areas, Koolewong, Tascott, Point Clare, and it's just a walk to the station to get to Sydney.

CULWULLA

September 22nd, 2011, 02:08 PM

Hey guys, I know this is not usual here i am looking to purchase a property on the Woy Woy Peninsula somewhere to live in for 6-12 months and possibly rent out for investment later on.

I don't see much wrong with this area, but at my new job in Rhodes, one colleague was telling me how rough Woy Woy is but implied Umina and Ettalong are better. He did say though that he had thought Western Sydney was rough until he went to the Central Coast and that it was terrible and violent. He had never lived in Woy Woy but said a friend had, and that same friend was robbed at Woy Woy station at night a few years ago.

I didn't think it was that bad, but reading that earlier comment that said the area was worse than Airds etc on this forum got me thinking. Is Woy Woy an incredibly rough place, and somewhere you would be unsafe living/catching the train? Or like most areas is the stigma overrated? Furthermore is Woy Woy in the same league as Mt Druitt/Blacktown/Macquarie Fields?

I am mainly worried because I don't want my family hurt if we move there for a little while. I have no real worries about the area appreciating eventually in value for investment because whether it takes 10 or 30 years or whatever to increase in value I believe strongly it eventually will.

I would appreciate a response from people that know or live in the area.

Edit: Someone else just told me Umina is the rough place and Woy Woy is ok. I don't know what to believe, people who know the area please guide me!
dont believe a bloody word about how friggen rough woy woy or umina is!!
i live at Umina!!!:banana: have done for 7 years. its one the great places to live. Woywoy has a bad name from the 70s; its a totally dif place these days. you can walk down the streets completly safe.
Its such a great place to bring up a family. i belong to local surf club and swim pool and have met great people.Sporting culture is also great up here.
the magnificent waterways.fishing. dont even compare to out west.:lol:
30 cameras now are located throughout the peninsula and police are on the ball.
i catch the train everyday, no probs with safety.:lol:
the real estate is improving every year now and there are some great affordable houses and close to the beach. something you cant get out west.
the umina town centre is currently underging a change, new woolies, aldi and soon Bunnings. also maccas.:cheers:
i say give it a go. you wont be disapointed.

Fabian

September 27th, 2011, 04:15 AM

A private developer wants to fund the upgrade of Warnervale Railway Station including longer platforms, easier access for those with disabilities and a pedrestrian walkway.

NBN News (23/9/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/09/23/developer-unveils-plans-for-warnervale-train-station/

michael_1970

September 29th, 2011, 11:24 AM

went past the new aldi at umina earlier signage has gone up apparently its going to open october 22nd

CULWULLA

September 29th, 2011, 02:22 PM

^yeah looks great.ill grab a pic tomoz.
i noticed the 5 houses next to shell in Umina are vacated. this is where maccas is going.

CULWULLA

September 29th, 2011, 02:25 PM

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-29/gosford-landing-launch/3038186

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/09/29/1d9890f8249555be29d94aaf49d20abf_resized.jpg
http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/09/29/3ef0224fc6f08b6cc2a0647f0b81db17_resized.jpg
http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/09/29/4ef62898ea8cf6d0be84e1879a72811c_resized.jpg

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/09/29/b2646ff89bc9fec498f107c20c880444_resized.jpg

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/09/29/598eee6886b2a9dead7ebd276299cf65_resized.jpg
http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2011/09/29/e9e4b799d21a304a47c1e1c8f6172b32_resized.jpg

The 'new look' Gosford waterfront unveiled
By Mary-Louise Vince
Posted September 29, 2011 15:21:43

The long-awaited master plan for Gosford's waterfront has been unveiled.

The project, known as 'The Landing at Gosford' links the waterfront to a performing arts precinct, hotel, residential piers, three major office buildings as well as boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Around 150 people, including civic leaders and other community representatives attended today's launch at Gosford.

The 10-year plan, which is due to begin in early 2014, is predicted to create four-thousand jobs and 700 new homes.
The first stage will feature a one thousand seat Performing Arts Centre and nearby commercial buildings.

The State Minister for the Central Coast and Terrigal MP, Chris Hartcher says it is time to re-focus Gosford back to the waterfront.

"It once was a great city but in recent years it has had a decline," he said.

Mr Hartcher says the State Government is committed to the plan, which will be developed as a public/private partnership.

He has acknowledged the previous Labor Government's work on the project, including its decision to re-locate Gosford Public School to the nearby Henry Kendall High School site.

He says the Government stands by that decision, despite ongoing opposition from local teachers and parents.

"The decision has been made and it has been made in the best interests of the community and of the children," he said.

Gosford Mayor, Laurie Maher has called on the community to back the plan.

"Our challenge is you, to get behind it," he said.

"We can't allow a city to be weighed down by a small minority."

Central Coast Regional Development Corporation in partnership with developer, Lend Lease have been working on the plans since late last year in consultation with the community.

The long-term master plan for Gosford City over the next 30 years also includes the redevelopment of the City Core, Railway Precinct and Hospital Precinct.

The Gosford Landing Plan will go on public display from October 5.

BuildBigger

September 30th, 2011, 04:36 AM

It is well needed! Gosford's biggest attraction has a small park and 4 lanes of cars running through it! Although somewhere in a Gosford report they said they wanted to make Gosford the Paris of the South which did make me laugh but aiming for something a little bit smaller like this will do wonders for the area!

bobbain

September 30th, 2011, 01:24 PM

High Speed rail between Newcastle and Gosford an agenda item on next month's council meeting. Thought this may be of interest.......very early days. refer page 74

http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/council/council_meetings/agenda_reports/2011/10/04/Environment%20-%20Planning.pdf

Fabian

October 1st, 2011, 06:23 AM

The region definately needs a high speed link. Travel times by rail are a total joke.

The plans for the waterfront at Gosford are good overall.

billiejoe87

October 1st, 2011, 08:54 AM

The region definately needs a high speed link. Travel times by rail are a total joke.

The plans for the waterfront at Gosford are good overall.See I don't think the rail is that bad, but maybe that's because I'm at Woy Woy and the rail compared to the road is much more direct to Sydney from down here.

It is pretty silly though that Woy Woy/Gosford etc seems so far because of the roads and rail, when as the crow flies they are the same distance as Penrith to Sydney. The links are so indirect because of the obstacle of the Hawkesbury River and national parks in between the Central Coast and Sydney. I couldn't believe when I heard the F3 was meant to go a different route on the Central Coast side of the Hawkesbury river and should have had a link directly into the Woy Woy Peninsula, along with being much more direct into Gosford. Does anyone know why on Earth the F3 ended up going the route it did?

BuildBigger

October 2nd, 2011, 01:53 PM

Money... The F3 roughly runs along the same path as the old pacific highway so I guess it was probably easier then creating a completely new route that would have been more direct, also it does bypass Gosford. Overall my biggest problem with the highway is Pennant hills road and the pacific highway down the north shore where the highway just ends. If you get a bad trip with the traffic lights it easily adds 5-10 minutes to the trip and more petrol coasts... Sydney does have a problem with highways sporadically ending!

billiejoe87

October 3rd, 2011, 01:18 AM

Good to see all the nimbys are still active in Umina:

http://www.facebook.com/NOUminaBeachMaccas

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Peninsula-Hardware-Umina-Beach/253580004667658

In two facebook pages, these idiots manage to whinge about Woolworths, Aldi, Coles, Bunnings and Mcdonalds in Umina. Amazing how they think this overall lower socio economic area (though improving) would survive if there wasn't big business both employing people in the area and lowering prices.

In reference to the second facebook page on the hardware store, I was doing renovations to my property last year and myself and my partner couldn't find anything anywhere near as cheap and effective as Bunnings at West Gosford down on the Peninsula. That hardware store is incredibly expensive for the exact same materials you get at bunnings. Good riddance to ripping people off I say.

Edit: Just for kicks I've created a facebook page for big business coming to Umina. Sick of the nimby's being the only ones being heard. If anyone agrees, feel free to join the page and refer onto your friends!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Want-Big-Business-In-Umina/163878170367203

.

Mornnb

October 3rd, 2011, 08:37 AM

We need high speed rail, between Penrith and the CBD, and between Central Coast and CBD and other remote areas. It'll bring the city closer to together and help reduce car dependency.

BuildBigger

October 3rd, 2011, 10:45 AM

BearCave

October 3rd, 2011, 11:58 PM

^^
It will encourage to decentralise for sure.

CULWULLA

October 4th, 2011, 12:21 PM

Ipggi

October 4th, 2011, 02:15 PM

I think that as well. But I have recently been thinking that this may encourage sprawl in these areas because they would be now more efficiently/quickly accessed meaning more people could live away from the city. I guess we truly cannot answer that question until it happens/look upon other examples.

It would, but it would be up to the respective councils to enforce rural protection and allow higher densities even if that just meant low-rise semi-detached or row properties rather then tyical Australian suburban detached. If you go to southern England there are plenty of expensive fast-rail commuter towns outside of greater London that back in the 1960 and 1970s were impoverished towns and villages with few prospects.

Mornnb

October 5th, 2011, 10:43 AM

^^
It will encourage to decentralise for sure.

Actually by allowing fast transportation to the CBD it might encourage centralisation, less of a need to have jobs more local and in hubs like parramatta.

billiejoe87

October 5th, 2011, 12:01 PM

Actually by allowing fast transportation to the CBD it might encourage centralisation, less of a need to have jobs more local and in hubs like parramatta.Yeah it could cause that to happen, but does anyone really care if it was incredibly quick to get to a central area anyway? I think the biggest problem at the moment is the huge commute times involved in working in the city for some people. I really don't think it's fair to promote places like North Ryde and Norwest as new CBD's when half of Sydney's population lives on the southside and finds it near impossible to commute everyday to these sorts of areas. I am a strong believer to work being accessible to all in a city no matter where you happen to live in that said city.

Mornnb

October 5th, 2011, 02:41 PM

Yes I care thay it's quick to access the CBD. So that more people use the CBD! It's good for the city to keep it centralised around the CBD. Encourages a vibrant and healthy city centre and skyscraper development, to keep improving the skyline and beauty of the city, rather than development occurring else where.

Fabian

October 5th, 2011, 11:22 PM

Actually by allowing fast transportation to the CBD it might encourage centralisation, less of a need to have jobs more local and in hubs like parramatta.

The focus needs to be on decentralisation. Definately transport links to Sydney need to be improved for those who need to commute to the city, but locals need to have the option to work close to home if they wish.

Fabian

October 6th, 2011, 03:06 AM

Work is nearly about to begin on the $39 million Cancer Centre at Gosford.

NBN News (6/10/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/10/06/work-on-39-million-gosford-cancer-centre-to-begin-soon/

BuildBigger

October 8th, 2011, 06:37 AM

I think we need more people living in the city, which can reduce commutes, adding to skyscraper development and rather then building new infrastructure you can improve on the infrastructure you already have. It would be good to see five 115 Bathurst streets.

Fabian

October 8th, 2011, 10:24 PM

You mean in central Gosford or Sydney?

CULWULLA

October 14th, 2011, 05:25 AM

Umina aldi is looking superb
opening soon.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6242188633_47397ab2af_b.jpg

BuildBigger

October 14th, 2011, 04:22 PM

Isn't their one in Point Claire? I am all for connivence but does the area have a large enough population to support this many shopping centres?

CULWULLA

October 14th, 2011, 10:12 PM

^nah, The peninsula needs one. growing. theres also one at West gosford ,Kincumber and greenpoint.
Umina is now taking over as commercial centre on the peninsula.

Fabian

October 14th, 2011, 10:21 PM

And what is wrong with Aldi opening more supermarkets? With Coles and Woolworths running the supermarket sector, it's stores like this that will keep prices lower.

BuildBigger

October 15th, 2011, 02:50 AM

Nothing, I really like Aldi, but I must admit the imitation tim tams are just not the same as the Arnott ones ahah

michael_1970

October 15th, 2011, 03:01 AM

Cul, theres no Aldi at West Gosford or Kincumber, theyre at Point Clare, Imperial Centre Gosford,Wyoming, Green Point, Erina, Bateau Bay, Tuggerah and Toukley and I think there is going to be another one in Wyong somewhere
The new building fits in quite nice and the colors are good too, its only going to be the aldi isnt it? no other shops in there?

CULWULLA

October 15th, 2011, 03:24 AM

hmm, i was told one at west gosford opened/ maybe they ment gosford.none at kincumber? weird, people talk shit then.
yes i think only aldi, best looking one by far.

lowey

October 15th, 2011, 05:02 AM

Key sites a kick start for The Entrance
BY PAUL CALLAGHAN
13 Oct, 2011 01:00 AM
THE pending development of seven iconic key sites to their full potential at The Entrance could be the salvation of the ailing town centre.

Wyong Shire Council's project manager for a new masterplan for The Entrance, Stephen Ashton, said the key sites' development would most likely provide a catalyst for the resort's revival.

The developments have potential to introduce denser residential patterns, provide more open space, attract more longer-stay tourists, and provide increased attractions, Mr Ashton said.

The key sites include:

¦ The Greens Bowling Club land;

¦ Dening Street car park behind the cinema;

¦ Lakeside Plaza shopping centre;

¦ Dunleith Tourist Park site;

¦ the waterfront area between The Entrance bridge and Picnic Point; and

¦ the vacant site at the corner of The Entrance Road and Marine Parade.

Mr Ashton said some of the key site plans were well advanced.

The Dening Street car park site, for example, could potentially include retail, entertainment, community facilities and underground car parking.

And development of the vacant site at the corner of The Entrance Road and Marine Parade would be made more feasible by removing current constraining building envelope controls, Mr Ashton said.

"This would allow more flexibility in achieving truly iconic design outcomes with lesser impact on scenic values and neighbouring public and private space amenity," he said.

Higher rise buildings are expected to be permitted on some of the key sites.

"If higher rise buildings were proposed the developer would have to agree to trade-offs requiring high quality building and site design with adequate public benefit including attractive landscaping, replacement paving, new civic spaces and the like," Mr Ashton said.

A draft masterplan for The Entrance town centre's projected growth patterns and public domain improvement is expected to be placed on public exhibition soon.

The final planning document was expected to be drawn up before Christmas.

"We are at the stage of collating all of our information gained from our workshops and drafting the masterplan," Mr Ashton said.

http://static.lifeislocal.com.au/multimedia/images/full/1480686.jpg

http://www.lakesmail.com.au/news/local/news/general/key-sites-a-kick-start-for-the-entrance/2321390.aspx

CULWULLA

October 15th, 2011, 08:38 AM

thats great news. finally some sense taking place. these key sites need higjirse bldgs! the entrance is a tourist town. they need highrise hotels and units to attract people.

Fabian

October 15th, 2011, 11:40 PM

hmm, i was told one at west gosford opened/ maybe they ment gosford.none at kincumber? weird, people talk shit then.
yes i think only aldi, best looking one by far.

Yes - Gosford has one, not West Gosford.

Brizer

October 16th, 2011, 12:52 AM

Considering their proximity, maybe whoever it was meant 'Wyoming' when they said 'West Gosford'?

michael_1970

October 17th, 2011, 03:29 AM

yes i think only aldi, best looking one by far.

had a sort of a closer look at the umina store this morning looks like there is going to be a shop downstairs dont know what it will be though

Fabian

October 29th, 2011, 07:49 AM

Gosford Council has agreed to create a village structure plan for Umina.

NBN News (29/10/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/10/29/umina-plans-for-the-future/

Fabian

October 29th, 2011, 07:53 AM

Page four of the Central Coast Express Advocate (28/10/2011) - Central Coast Regional Development Corporation has placed an article regarding The Landing at Gosford.

Details can be found at their website at www.ccrdc.nsw.gov.au.

There is an information centre at 178 Mann Street, Gosford if you want to check out the plans in person.

Fabian

November 11th, 2011, 06:15 AM

NIMBY's have come up with their own plan for the Gosford Waterfront.

NBN News (10/11/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/11/10/similar-but-different-plan/

CULWULLA

November 16th, 2011, 11:35 PM

BUNNINGS GETS GO AHEAD IN UMINA
http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/bunnings-warehouse-gets-go-ahead-at-umina-beach/

UMINA RESIDENTS AGAINST MACCAS
http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/umina-beach-residents-start-petition-against-mcdonalds-restaurant-1/

Fabian

November 17th, 2011, 07:20 AM

Typical reaction about McDonalds opening up in a residential area. Apparently stand alone Mcdonalds stores will often send a staff member to clean up the area in the immediate surrounds of the store.

Also alot of litter from McDonalds stores will more than often appear far away from the store.

Mornnb

November 17th, 2011, 01:34 PM

Yes I notice that around Ryde... Maccas packaging 3km away from the place, I guess people are just throwing it out the window!

Fabian

November 17th, 2011, 08:52 PM

Or simply dump it where they ate or drank their meal.

CULWULLA

November 17th, 2011, 09:34 PM

i dont crap about rubbish. council will clean it up. i care about the 60 casual jobs for local young kids maccas will provide.

Fabian

November 17th, 2011, 10:07 PM

Sometimes people just forget the benefits of having the store apart from some fast food when very hungry. The jobs the store provides will help prevent the anti social problems that would occur.

Fabian

November 23rd, 2011, 12:49 AM

Gosford Council feuds over The Landing.

NBN News (22/11/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/11/22/council-at-odds-on-landing/

CULWULLA

November 23rd, 2011, 12:51 AM

i saw interview with mayor. if it the project stalls again you can kiss it good bye forever. ffs

Fabian

November 23rd, 2011, 09:00 PM

Sadly, there are some councillors that prefer for Gosford to remain a backwater instead of moving forward.

CULWULLA

November 28th, 2011, 08:36 AM

new 4storey for woy woy/ great news
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6417104951_70361f809a_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6417110851_2444686d57_z.jpg

CULWULLA

December 5th, 2011, 02:42 AM

Gosford waterfront masterplan up now on dop
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3966

looks like max height for a building is 10st/52m ;(
https://majorprojects.affinitylive.com/public/9d1a23c071ee132f3e7058a0ebcaa633/05%20Appendix%20A%20Draft%20SEPP%20Building%20Height%20Pt%203.pdf

BuildBigger

December 5th, 2011, 06:11 AM

The road is archaeological? + What is happening to the site up on the hill facing the bay that was excavated but has been left open for years now?

CULWULLA

December 5th, 2011, 08:55 AM

^not sure, maybe builders went broke

Red Dwarf

December 11th, 2011, 03:41 PM

Those are exciting plans for the Gosford Waterfront. As long as they build it big and beautiful - it will do great. Same for the proposed development at Ettalong.

Umina has had hotchpotch development - nothing that shows an integrated vision. Umina needs big, bold, innovative development - right in the heart of the business area. Something that incorporates meeting spaces and encourages foot traffic.

Foot Traffic will bring Umina alive and will keep businesses thriving. The supermarkets are great and perhaps the Bunnings - but they are all places that people drive to, get what they need and then leave.

Receptivity of Gosford Council and the Peninsula Chamber of Business for a drive-through McDonalds proposal for Umina shows extreme lack of vision.

The central coast has the potential to attract far greater percentages of international visitors, especially backpackers (who spend twice as much as anyone else) and the Chinese. That COULD bring countless millions into Umina alone in the future. Umina needs to become a cosmopolitan playground for tourists.

Instead we get ... drive-through Maccas.
I'm not against Maccas and they could have a place here - just not where they want and NOT as a drive-through!

The loss of jobs and business in takeaways in the rest of Umina would be terrible:

- Visitors travelling from Sydney and Kariong etc will drive through Maccas and keep going down to the beach.
- Visitors in the Ocean Beach holiday park will drive down to Maccas and then head back to the holiday park. and beach.
- The roundabout on West and Ocean Beach Road will become a bottleneck while the rest of West St suffers from lack of business.
- Takeaway business in Umina will be hit hard - with the potential loss of millions to the area.
- A drive-through McDonalds will use Umina for all they can get, while ripping the heart out of the rest of the shopping area
- Teenagers currently employed at the burger shops and fish & chips shops will have far less work available to them, even losing their jobs.
- The big yellow Maccas signs plonked right at the gateway to Umina beach will make Umina look like a McBeach instead of a tourist area.

If McDonalds wants a place in Umina, it should ONLY be as a small takeaway as part of a large shopping development. No drivethroughs.

We need tourism, intelligent development and longterm sustainable employment.

CULWULLA

December 11th, 2011, 10:01 PM

^totally agree. drive thru? does this mean no sit down areas? mccafe? that would be stupid.i live in Umina and it has sooooo much potential.its a great holiday spot.the ocean beach caravan park is one of best in state. there supposed to be 60 part time jobs for kids.

Fabian

December 12th, 2011, 03:47 AM

That doesnt make sense about McDonalds. There will be sit down areas I'm assuming and more jobs will be created than lost.

CULWULLA

December 12th, 2011, 08:40 PM

from Peninsula News
Macca's decision expected tomorrow
Gosford Council will make a decision tomorrow (Tuesday) whether it will allow rezoning of residential land in Umina for a fast food outlet.

Councillors will inspect the site and consider the planning proposal for a McDonalds store.

Council planners have recommended that the rezoning proceed, and that a planning proposal be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure accordingly.

McDonald's (Australia) Ltd has told the council that the planning proposal was needed because of the uncertainty associated with the timing of the finalisation of the draft Gosford LEP 2009 and the need to proceed with the development of this site at the earliest opportunity.

The proposal would see the land rezoned to Zone 3(a) Business (General) under the Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance.

Council planners reported that the proposal was inconsistent with Section 117 Direction 4.1 Acid Sulphate Soils as the land is affected by acid sulphate soils.

However, they stated: "The inconsistency with the direction can be justified as the planning proposal is of minor significance."

The report stated that the land was of a low acid sulphate risk as these soils were found at a level greater than three metres below the surface of the land and most forms of development possible on the land would not involve ground disturbance to this level.

The Planning Proposal was placed on public exhibition from November 2 to November 16 and at the suggestion of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure was exhibited with a development application for a McDonalds Restaurant on the subject land.

The exhibition resulted in 78 submissions being received and two petitions.

The report stated that three issues were raised in submissions.

They were an objection to spot rezoning, that the proposal should not be considered before the draft LEP was determined and that a transport plan should be completed before the planning proposal proceeds.

The council staff commented: "The Department of Planning and Infrastructure is currently considering the Draft Gosford LEP 2009.

"The department will determine whether the planning proposal, if it is continued to be supported by Council, should proceed ahead of the draft Gosford LEP 2009.

"Actions in relation to the Transport, Management and Accessibility Plan (TMAP) which includes preparation of a basis for a new carparking contributions plan for Umina Beach will commence in December 2011.

"The subject land will be considered in the TMAP and a carparking contributions plan will apply to any development on the land.

"It would be appropriate as part of the planning proposal recommendation that Council resolve to amend the CP68 - Umina Beach Village Carparking to include the subject land."

-------------------------------------------------------------

Red Dwarf

December 13th, 2011, 03:07 AM

Yes there would be sit-down areas in the Maccas as well as the drive-through - but the fact that it will incorporate a drive-through means that visitors and many residents will go for the convenience of the drive-through.

There's no guarantee at all that more jobs will be created than lost. People won't have to go into Umina shops for their takeaway now if the Maccas goes ahead where it is. They can drive down Ocean Beach Road, in & out of Maccas, and off to the playground or beach.

Take a look at Terrigal and see how their takeaway shops thrive on foot traffic.

I walked around the Ocean Beach Holiday Park the other day - practically empty! And it's massive - hectares of all kinds of villas. Why was it so empty in November?

The peninsula could attract far more tourists - both from Australian and overseas. Tourism would create a HUGE amount of jobs for young people and those of all ages.
Forget the possible 2 jobs that Maccas could create (taking into account job losses in the rest of Umina) - tourism could potentially create thousands of jobs.

Most of the shopping strip at Umina needs bulldozing and starting again with something incredible - and no more single storey!

CULWULLA

December 13th, 2011, 03:42 AM

^^thanks for clearing that drive thru up. i thought that was it. because ive seen these.but its a normal maccas which is cool
ocean beach caravan park is incredible in holiday times.because i do surf patrols, we wait for the constant line of cars and caravans into the park on boxing day.most stay there for 4-6weeks. very popular site. always full no vacancies.
umina needs a boardwalk, from pearl beach around to kiddies corner alomg umina to ob and finish at Ettalong foreshore.that would be an atraction.
ie envisaged cable car ride from kiddies corner to mount ettalong lookout.
greenies have to much power on the coast to allow these type of ideas.

Red Dwarf

December 13th, 2011, 04:37 AM

Oi! The greenies are the reason the coast still has some green. Well, maybe not the greenies but the tree-huggers that came before them.

Yeah the holiday park is full at peak holiday times - but not the rest of the year.

But why can't the peninsula be a year-round holiday/tourist attraction?

I like the idea of a boardwalk - I've seen it proposed and I know that if there's an easy, beautiful walk in a popular scenic location - people will be there in droves. Would a boardwalk knock out any of the natural bush along the beach though? We need to preserve the ecology or lose the sand.

CULWULLA

December 13th, 2011, 06:09 AM

^have you seen the boardwalk along forsters mile beach? its built at 1metre above the low similar aciacia bush and co in habits quiet well. its about 2m wide and runs for 1km i think.very popular with locals and tourists.
just drove past maccas site and saw some locals and councillors chatting .lol

Red Dwarf

December 13th, 2011, 11:19 AM

I've seen the Forster boardwalk - it's great!

I love what The Entrance has too - though it's not a wooden boardwalk it's still a fantastic asset and attraction.

A lot of the Umina bush that is along the ocean is quite high. But I guess the council could kill two birds with one stone at kiddie's corner where the sand is eroding almost into people's front yards - put in a boardwalk and fix the erosion at the same time. Stupid, stupid decision to ever allow houses there in the first place - wayyyy too close to the ocean.

CULWULLA

December 13th, 2011, 10:01 PM

yeah i agree. i was told one of those houses belonged to a greenie that causes all the problems in Umina.
We have tried for years to remove or lower or thin out the Acacia bush that is in front of our surf club. you cant see the beach now from cafe and lower ground areas. it doesnt need to be 3-4m high. only 1metre is suffice to be a sand buffer.the Acacia bush is a weed and wasnt there 20 years ago. slowly overtaken unima beach.
kids play in there. there are needles snakes glass you name it. also favourite place for vandals to hide when police came to find them.
real problem.
D DAY today for maccas. desicion tonight!

CULWULLA

December 15th, 2011, 08:23 PM

the rezoning for land at umina for maccas was approved wedns night. maccas will now lodge DA
great outcome

Fabian

December 21st, 2011, 09:16 PM

NBN News report on the NIMBY's at Umina (17/12/2011): http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/12/17/umina-residents-not-lovin-it/

CULWULLA

December 21st, 2011, 10:10 PM

idiots

billiejoe87

December 22nd, 2011, 07:52 AM

idiots Tell me about it. Have a look at some of the comments made here: http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/rezoning-puts-umina-mcdonalds-on-the-menu/.

I love the comment at the top which says Mosman and Hunters Hill doesn't have Maccas but Blacktown, Mt Druitt and Campbelltown does, in reference to only poor areas having McDonald's and it not helping the area. I've never seen a more stupidly thought out argument. Talk about choosing suburbs at random to help with your argument. I could just as easily say that Airds, Claymore and Bidwill (The poorest suburbs in Sydney) don't have McDonalds and yet Cremorne, Bondi and Manly (Very well off suburbs) all have McDonalds.

I love the Peninsula so much but the amount of nimbys and there absolute disregard for rational thinking is sometimes really hard to deal with.

Fabian

December 22nd, 2011, 08:38 PM

There is a McDonalds at Cremorne that caters to those at Mosman.

CULWULLA

December 22nd, 2011, 09:50 PM

i just think some people from umina (minority thank god) dont want change. they didnt want a large woolies and now its crowded all the time. they didnt think aldi was a good idea but its packed all the time. no one liked idea of old flemmings to be bunnings and now no one wants maccas but yet they will be sitting there in 6 months time with there kids having a happy meal.nimbys didnt like the Tesrols 8storey opposite Manta at ettalong but that will do wonders for the ettalong area. im over locals wanting Umina to stay a backwater.time to move on, progress, go with the flow. if peninsula has any future,

Fabian

December 23rd, 2011, 12:32 AM

billiejoe87

December 23rd, 2011, 06:24 AM

People mostly will accept it once its built and that defeats the purpose and meaning of opposing the development. I only know of one town in Queensland where most of the locals have managed to boycott a Woolworths that they didnt want built in the first place. If they are that opposed, why dont they organise boycotts.I'll give you my theory and that is that they are lazy. Most of these people would like you to believe they are concerned about an obesity epidemic. (Apparently a club burger and chips and a beer is so much healthier than a Big Mac meal), however I believe it is more for their own self interest, and that these same people give in when they realise they are defeated and end up just using the facilities as it suits them.

Case scenario one, Today, inlaws (or outlaws) of my fiance who moved from Housing commission in Erina to Umina, came over to grace me with their presence while I am on my Christmas break. While listening to the usual dribble about wogs etc. I brought up what they thought about the development in Umina. Low and behold they were against it, as they believe "them Sydney bastards are trying to change this place"....

This is what I believe the majority of this rubbish is. Not all of it but the majority. It mostly seems to be either inbreds and their racist and/or backward views against the area being more attractive for tourists, or just people who are either unemployed or don't earn much money and don't want the prospect of property values increasing as more infrastructure is built in the area as they will be priced out. Luckily there are a lot of normal people living and moving to Umina etc. so this culture is slowly fading, but it is still there on a small but vocal scale.

Also, look at the times the protests occured against the McDonalds, they were in the middle of the day. Other than a few people with flexible working hours or on holidays, who else but the unemployed or elderly would have been able to attend?

The only possible reason I could see against this Maccas is traffic issues that is it. It is also nowhere near serious enough to compensate for the 100 or so jobs that the outlet will bring to the area.

CULWULLA

December 23rd, 2011, 07:55 AM

billiejoe87

January 9th, 2012, 02:41 PM

the maccas umina is being developed by the guy who owns the woy woy franchise.hes not from sydney.
i have maccas all the time and many of my mates say-yew,how can you eat that shit.i thought you were healthy fitness fanatic?
i tell them when was last time you walked into a maccas? they said few years. i say well mate its changed somewhat.
when i go to maccas,at local woywoy,i have chicken wraps or salads. coffee with banana bread.
i sit there in mornign after a surf and relax with coffee, tv on above, free morning newspaper and happy atmosphere.clean toilets just metres away.
totally dif from 10-15 years ago . they try to keep up with the times/.Check this out people who love the Peninsula and want more tourism etc to come. Articles like this give the area a bad name. I don't know if the "Journalist" has ever even been to Ettalong. The beaches are large, beautiful and clean and never once have I seen the level of bogans at Woy Woy station that this person refers too. Absolutely disgusting to slander an entire population like this, along with a by most accounts including my own, absolutely geographically beautiful area. The comment about going to Palm beach if you want a decent clean beach with normal happy people was especially below the belt, along with the comment about the fact that there must be a lot of restuarants here due to the locals being obese.

http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/coastal-holidays-of-your-dreams-ettalong-beach/

You would think News Corp would have learnt not to do these pieces slandering areas and people for no reason, after the one they got in trouble with years ago about the HSC failure in Mount Druitt. I cant understand how they have gotten away with this.

CULWULLA

January 9th, 2012, 11:53 PM

yeah what an idiot jurno.

Fabian

January 10th, 2012, 04:53 AM

Thats the problem with NIMBY's. They advocate certain development and when that type of development is planned, they have a whinge and rant.

CULWULLA

January 26th, 2012, 11:41 PM

everyone should comment on the higher limits
http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/confusion-over-building-heights-for-gosford-masterplan/

Confusion over building heights for Gosford masterplan

Council27 Jan 12 @ 02:51am by Terry Collins
THE latest party to express concern over planning proposals for the Gosford Landing Project is Gosford Council itself.

The council voted on Tuesday night to ask for a “please explain” from the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation on its proposal to declare the waterfront a State Significant Site.

The proposal, which is open for public comment until Tuesday, will pave the way for residential, retail, community and recreational development of the waterfront.

But councillors are concerned it allows for a maximum height of 17 storeys, contrary to height restrictions agreed to in the original Gosford Masterplan and sanctioned by the community.

“They have all but doubled the heights of these buildings and at no stage were we consulted,” deputy mayor Craig Doyle said.

“I have doubts about the integrity of our partner in this venture.

“There is something desperately wrong with the process if this can happen. If we want the community to own this project they need to trust the process.”

Cr Doyle said it was time to “get back to what the community said yes to”.

The council will also request from the state government a one-month extension on the submission period

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426460_10150502577186643_287718711642_9127656_224668233_n.jpg

BuildBigger

January 27th, 2012, 03:34 AM

That will be the best thing that has happened to Gosford since the train line... Everyone agrees that Gosford needs either complete demolition or major renovation to change its image and to attract customers/tourists so for a few people that are having problems with the heights should move to another backwater to give this place a chance.

BuildBigger

January 27th, 2012, 03:35 AM

Also does anyone know what is happening with the vacant excavated site up Gosford hill near the tafe? It is basically a giant hole in the ground and has stayed like that for the past 2-3 years...

lowey

January 30th, 2012, 10:54 PM

7500 jobs for southern Lake
BY DAMON CRONSHAW, LAKE MACQUARIE REPORTER
31 Jan, 2012 04:00 AM
AEROSPACE, defence and vehicle industries, storage and distribution centres, laboratories and research centres, printing and publishing plants and manufacturers of machinery and equipment.

These are some of the businesses a $650million industrial development aims to attract to south Lake Macquarie.

The proposal to develop 150 lots on 260 hectares at Bushells Ridge has been submitted to the NSW Department of Planning.

The land is on the border of Lake Macquarie and Wyong local government areas and close to the F3 and Wyee railway station.

The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, which owns the Bushells Ridge land, said in a planning report that its proposal would create job opportunities for Aborigines, particularly youth, in construction.

‘‘The proposed development will provide significant benefits to the Aboriginal community through sustained revenue that can be invested for the benefit of the community,’’ it said.

Darkinjung’s planning report said its proposal would create ‘‘up to 7500 jobs over the life of the project’’.

‘‘The Bushells Ridge Estate will create jobs to support future population growth,’’ the report said.

The land is next to Wyee, where 2000 new houses and an improved town centre are planned.

The nearby Morisset district’s population is planned to almost double over the next 20 years to 35,000 people, with the potential development of about 7000 dwellings.

The Bushells Ridge land was zoned for industrial development but a new draft zoning described the land ‘‘as being strategically located and subject to further investigation’’.

The investigation would define ‘‘conservation requirements and development potential’’.

The site fronts Bushells Ridge Road and is next to the proposed surface operations of the massive and controversial $1billion Kores coalmine plan, which aims to mine under Wyong valleys and Tuggerah Lake.

Darkinjung’s planners are in talks with Kores and a nearby quarry to provide road access from their land to a freeway link road at Doyalson.

The coal company is planning a rail connection in Bushells Ridge, with the potential for other industries to use it.

No built structures were on the Darkinjung site.

‘‘The majority of the site is largely flat, making it conducive to the construction of large-scale warehouses and distribution centres,’’ the report said.

The site has not been without controversy.

Darkinjung chairwoman Bronwyn Chambers said in a recent land council newsletter that the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water had tried to ‘‘lock the land up as a green corridor’’.

‘‘It was only through the extensive work of Darkinjung land council that we have been able to fight this decision and secure our land,’’ Ms Chambers said.

Darkinjung operations manager Suzanne Naden said the proposal was an example of how the land council project could benefit the whole community.

‘‘We think there are opportunities for everyone here,’’ she said. ‘‘We are presently just working through the processes to see where it leads.’’

Eucalyptus forest covers most of the land, except for electricity easements and four-wheel-drive trails, and there are some creeks.

Some threatened flora and fauna – including the masked owl, squirrel glider, wallum froglet, Tetratheca juncea and Grevillea parviflora – live on the land.

Southlakes Business Chamber and Community Alliance town co-ordinator Rosmairi Okeno said the development required lengthy investigation but it appeared to be a chance for employment, growth and development.

‘‘A large amount of investigation is required to determine any development proposal’s suitability for the land,’’ she said.

‘‘The provision of employment opportunities would be more than welcome and vital in the future support of population growth predictions in the South Lake Macquarie and Wyong districts.

‘‘It’s early days, and detailed information on the development is yet to be understood by the consenting authorities and the community, but establishing such a large facility so close to our district could only provide positive outcomes for future economic development.’’

Wyong councillor Sue Wynn said she was behind the initiative provided the Darkinjung had the future of the environment in mind.

‘‘My only question is will they make sure what is left will provide proper passageways for our flora and fauna,’’ she said.

‘‘Beyond that I’m more than happy to support it if it helps the economy across the Wyong Shire and the large population of Aboriginal people in our area.’’

Lake Macquarie MP and mayor Greg Piper said the proposal had his support.

‘‘I haven’t been overly involved in this development but I’m not aware of any issues or concerns with it, and if it creates employment in the local area then I think it will be good,’’ he said.

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/7500-jobs-for-southern-lake/2437883.aspx?storypage=1

CULWULLA

February 6th, 2012, 10:01 PM

new proposal for West st ,umina
(currently empty car yard)
4 shops, 5 units above.
http://i1.au.reastatic.net/800x600/51f82fc65245219630112c2d351bcc7277429e254cd24e15bf8ce31a4296df9c/main.jpg

CULWULLA

February 6th, 2012, 10:24 PM

looks like the 8storey Tesrol unit block (The Esplanade)is set to start before easter
http://www.tesrolproperty.com.au/residential/ettalong.htm

http://www.kannfinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Esplanadeapp_2.jpg

Cactus

February 6th, 2012, 11:54 PM

Also does anyone know what is happening with the vacant excavated site up Gosford hill near the tafe? It is basically a giant hole in the ground and has stayed like that for the past 2-3 years...

I think it was for more apartments, but the arse dropped out of the market.

CULWULLA

February 7th, 2012, 12:40 AM

pretty good loctaion
http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/6193/tafestite2.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6714/tafesite.jpg

Cactus

February 7th, 2012, 01:37 AM

Fabian

February 7th, 2012, 02:11 AM

Cactus

February 7th, 2012, 03:11 AM

I like the idea of a footbridge to cross the channel to give those at The Entrance North a more direct walking route into town.

The highrises should be concentrated more along the main street of town. It might also allay some NIMBY concerns on the Tuggerah Lake side of town.

Most of the 6 to 7 level development has been moved to the main street in the dark gray areas. You can see the 3 or 4 six level developments already in place in the light geay just above this main street area. The Key sites have been given an almost open book. Would a Q1 at north Entrance look out of place?

Fabian

February 7th, 2012, 08:24 PM

I'd rather have The Entrance North free of high density development for now.

CULWULLA

February 7th, 2012, 09:31 PM

The Master Plan crossed my desk over the holidays. It looks like the old height limits and some zones have been thrown out the door.
http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/7654/theentrancedec2011maste.png
With the current oversupply in The Entrance this will take a while.

love the tallest tower in north entrance. all those towers near bridge look excellent. go entrance!

Fabian

February 8th, 2012, 06:37 AM

Its interesting how they want to build a highrise where a caravan park stands at present.

CULWULLA

February 12th, 2012, 10:59 PM

went a huntin for a pesky bullshark on saturday night ,been hangin round our beach for a month.
no luck

looking north towrds ettalong
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/404388_3295687474835_1347270735_3318137_513565228_n.jpg

looking south towards Lion Is and palm beach

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431140_3295688114851_1347270735_3318138_1186156295_n.jpg

CULWULLA

February 13th, 2012, 12:40 AM

The scope of this project is to develop a two tower multi-level apartment block with a total of 58 apartments over 6 levels including 82 basement car spaces. A Development Application (DA) has been approved by Gosford Council.
start date early 2012.
2-13 Ormond st.

http://cdn.cpx.net.au/image?id=20614

billiejoe87

February 17th, 2012, 01:59 PM

went a huntin for a pesky bullshark on saturday night ,been hangin round our beach for a month.
no luck
Great pics cul. I saw the severed head of a small bull shark washed up on Ocean Beach last Sunday, wonder whether the bigger Bull Shark or a fisherman got him? I heard their has been a shark or two hanging around Umina lately.

CULWULLA

February 19th, 2012, 01:35 AM

i had surf branch champs yesterday at ocean beach.had a great day. competed from sun up to nearly sun down. umina cam close 3rd in pointscore.:cheers: i was happy with my results. a few medals. now for state.
didnt see any shark atall.

Fabian

March 8th, 2012, 10:26 AM

Gosford Council has surrendered to the NIMBY's over plans for Gosford Landing. Malcolm Brooks (we all remember him well from his tenure at council) is leading the charge.

NBN News (7/3/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/03/07/dramatic-change-to-gosford-landing-masterplan/

Fabian

March 12th, 2012, 10:04 PM

There are calls for the reopening of Old Sydney Town. A great idea guys!!!. :)

NBN News (11/3/2012): http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/03/11/push-for-old-sydney-town-to-return/

CULWULLA

March 12th, 2012, 10:33 PM

^^like
great for the area.

Fabian

March 13th, 2012, 03:13 AM

It would give tourism a big boost. I remember that the Day Tour Companies used to run daily trips to Old Sydney Town.

Apart from Sovereign Hill at Ballarat, there is little else that actually recreates colonial life in Australia. Foreign tourists would love it.

michael_1970

March 13th, 2012, 03:16 AM

I agree but i would like to see a couple of rides thrown in as well turn into a theme park

CULWULLA

March 13th, 2012, 05:53 AM

^yes, they would have to upgrade and modernize somewhat but keep the old section. great for schools and tourists.

Fabian

March 13th, 2012, 09:34 PM

I think they should try and do a night time show that people can see which includes dinner.

Blood on the Southern Cross at Sovereign Hill is a good model of how it can be done.

CULWULLA

March 23rd, 2012, 01:18 AM

i reckon it should be heritage listed. classic!
http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/still-homing-in-on-mystery-of-ettalong-beach-musical-fence/

Still homing in on mystery of Ettalong Beach musical fence

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2012/03/22/2fdb15c8c11a6218f0538bdf8be6d612_resized.jpg

Jane Becktel and Michelle Henson at the house with the musical fence

MORE clues have come to light on the mystery of the musical fence at Ettalong Beach.

The story of the house with the musical notes worked into its wrought iron fence has captured the interest of scores of readers, many of them with fond memories.

Beryl Willey of Booker Bay was the first permanent tenant of the Bourke Rd home, which had been previously let for holidays.

“Mr friend Elaine Sneesby inherited the house from her father,” she said.

“We’d been neighbours in Hornsby and our children had grown up together so, when I decided to move to the Central Coast 22 years ago, Elaine offered me the house as a permanent rental.”

Ms Willey lived there for 11 years. “I recall Elaine telling me once the fence had been brought in from somewhere else, but I do know the tune is Home Sweet Home,” she said.

Home Sweet Home was the second guess of our musical expert, Jane Becktel of Jubila Singers, who thought at first it might have been The Last Rose of Summer.